NEW YORK — The UN's top relief official, Martin Griffiths, highlighted the severe "suffering and misery" in the Gaza Strip resulting from Israel’s ongoing military operation, during a statement on Friday.

Griffiths stressed that the global condemnation of the offensive has become "too loud to ignore."

Describing the military activities in Rafah as "a tragedy beyond words," Griffiths revealed that the operation has displaced over 800,000 individuals, pushing them into regions lacking adequate shelter, sanitation, and clean water.

On X, he noted that the offensive in Rafah has not only disrupted the flow of aid into southern Gaza but has also brought humanitarian efforts to a near standstill by halting food distributions and cutting off fuel supplies essential for the region's survival.

Despite Israel dismissing international appeals to spare Rafah, Griffiths pointed out that the volume of global outcry demanding an immediate cessation of the offensive has surged significantly.

He referenced recent decisive actions by the international community, including the UN Security Council’s resolution to protect humanitarian and UN personnel, and the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) directive for Israel to cease its military activities in Rafah.

"This is a moment of clarity," Griffiths declared, emphasizing the necessity to uphold the rules of warfare which mandate civilian protection and unhindered humanitarian aid.

He reiterated his call for urgent actions: "Release the hostages. Agree to a ceasefire. End this nightmare." — Agencies