UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned an Israeli military strike on Gaza's Holy Family Church, which sheltered displaced civilians, calling it "unacceptable" during a deepening humanitarian crisis. The attack, confirmed by UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay on Thursday, highlights growing concerns over civilian safety as conflict enters its 21st month.
"People seeking shelter must be respected and protected, not hit by strikes," Tremblay emphasized, urging all parties to prioritize civilian safety and allow unimpeded humanitarian access. Over 737,000 Gazans – 35% of the population – have been displaced since March, with 11,600 newly displaced this month alone, according to UN humanitarian office OCHA.
The crisis has left most housing "flattened or uninhabitable," forcing families to sleep outdoors. Critical water infrastructure collapse has compelled residents to use seawater for washing, despite renewed Israeli restrictions on coastal access. Fuel shortages remain dire, with recent benzene shipments for ambulances described as "a small but important step" that falls far short of needs.
OCHA reports that current fuel allocations can't sustain life-saving services, while banned shelter materials leave thousands exposed to extreme weather. As diplomatic efforts continue, the UN reiterates demands for an immediate ceasefire and hostage releases, warning that "lives depend" on urgent aid scaling.
