Griffiths lamented the dire humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave, citing near-impossible aid deliveries, severe damage to civilians and infrastructure, and politicization of aid efforts. He highlighted the alarming toll on humanitarian workers and UN personnel in Gaza.

Griffiths, addressing the press on Monday, underscored the challenges of providing aid to Gaza residents teetering on the brink of famine amidst widespread hunger and disease. He criticized the influx of weapons to Israel from Washington and other nations despite the devastating impact on Gaza's civilian population.

Meanwhile, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), spoke from Oslo, confirming ongoing hostilities in Rafah and southern Gaza despite the Israeli military's announced pause for humanitarian aid entry.

Lazzarini expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the Israeli army's temporary suspension, stating that while UNRWA received notification in English of the pause, it was swiftly contradicted by the Israeli government. He emphasized that from an operational standpoint, there has been no cessation of hostilities in southern Gaza and Rafah.

Earlier this week, the Israeli military had initially announced a daily halt in fighting from 5:00 to 16:00 GMT in specific areas of Gaza but clarified that operations would continue in Rafah. The situation remains tense amid conflicting reports and ongoing violence affecting civilian lives in Gaza. (ILKHA)