The United Nations and the European Union have issued urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as Israel resumes its devastating military campaign against the besieged territory. Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on Thursday, 20 March, Khaled Khiari, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis following Israel’s violation of a truce that had been in place for nearly two months. Khiari stressed that every day without a ceasefire diminishes the chances of safely repatriating Israeli captives held in Gaza and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of critical humanitarian aid. He also noted that six UN staff members are among the hundreds killed since Israel resumed its strikes on Tuesday.  

The European Council echoed these concerns, condemning the breakdown of the ceasefire and the resulting civilian casualties. EU leaders emphasised the need to move to the second phase of the truce agreement, which they described as essential for securing the release of all captives and achieving a lasting end to hostilities. They called for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and the immediate restoration of electricity, after Israel’s Energy Minister ordered a halt to power supplies to the territory. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, warned that cutting electricity would have severe repercussions, particularly on Gaza’s already fragile water supply.  

Since launching its military offensive on 7 October 2023, Israel has killed nearly 50,000 Palestinians, according to reports. Despite agreeing to a ceasefire in January 2025, Israel has failed to achieve its stated objectives and has refused to engage in negotiations for the next phase of the truce. This has left Gaza’s civilian population trapped in a cycle of violence and deprivation, with no end in sight.  

The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and halt Israel’s aggression, protect civilians, and ensure the delivery of life-saving aid. For the people of Gaza, the urgency of these calls cannot be overstated, as their survival hangs in the balance.