HAMILTON, Canada – October 9, 2025
The United Nations issued a stark warning on Wednesday, highlighting the catastrophic impact of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza City and the occupied West Bank. According to UN officials, the relentless attacks have not only caused widespread destruction but have also deepened an already dire humanitarian crisis, leaving civilians in both regions struggling to survive amid severe shortages of food, shelter, and basic necessities. Satellite data and reports from humanitarian agencies paint a grim picture of devastation, with Gaza City bearing the brunt of the destruction and the West Bank facing escalating violence from illegal Israeli settler attacks.
In a press briefing, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric cited the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which reported that Israeli military operations have intensified in key neighborhoods of Gaza City, including Rimal and Zaitoun. These operations have exacerbated an already perilous humanitarian situation, pushing the region to the brink of collapse. Dujarric emphasized that the scale of destruction in Gaza City is staggering, with satellite imagery from the UN Satellite Centre revealing that 83% of structures in the city have been damaged or destroyed. This includes approximately 81,000 housing units, leaving countless families homeless and without adequate shelter.
The humanitarian toll in Gaza City is immense. Dujarric noted that many residents are unable to flee the northern areas of the city due to ongoing insecurity, forcing them to endure unimaginable hardships. Civilians are reportedly sleeping in the open, exposed to the elements, and struggling to access basic necessities such as food and clean water. The destruction of infrastructure, including homes, schools, and medical facilities, has compounded the crisis, making it nearly impossible for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid effectively. Severe shortages of food and shelter have left families in a desperate fight for survival, with no immediate end to the violence in sight.
The UN’s preliminary analysis, based on satellite data, underscores the scale of the devastation in Gaza City. The destruction of 81,000 housing units represents a significant portion of the city’s residential infrastructure, effectively dismantling the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians. The loss of homes has not only displaced families but has also eroded their sense of security and stability. With 83% of structures damaged, the city’s ability to function as a viable urban center has been severely compromised. Rebuilding efforts, when they eventually begin, will require massive international support and years of concerted effort to restore even a semblance of normalcy.
Beyond Gaza City, the situation in the occupied West Bank is equally alarming. Dujarric highlighted the UN’s deep concern over the impact of ongoing Israeli military operations in the region, particularly in northern refugee camps. These operations, now in their tenth month, have disrupted the lives of countless Palestinians, creating an atmosphere of fear and instability. The violence has not only targeted Palestinian communities but has also affected their livelihoods, particularly in agricultural areas. OCHA reported that farmers in the regions of Nablus, Salfit, and Qalqiliya have been unable to harvest their crops due to physical attacks by Israeli settlers. These attacks, which have been documented at an alarming rate, have caused significant economic hardship for Palestinian farmers who rely on their harvests for survival.
The scale of settler violence in the West Bank is staggering. According to OCHA, more than 1,200 attacks by illegal Israeli settlers have been recorded this year alone. These attacks have resulted in the destruction of over 17,000 trees and saplings, a devastating blow to Palestinian agriculture. The destruction of these trees, many of which are olive trees—a symbol of Palestinian heritage and a critical source of income—has further eroded the economic stability of communities in the West Bank. The attacks are not only an assault on livelihoods but also a deliberate attempt to undermine the cultural and historical ties of Palestinians to their land.
The UN’s reports highlight a broader pattern of violence and displacement in both Gaza and the West Bank. In Gaza, the inability of civilians to evacuate safely has trapped thousands in dangerous conditions, with no access to safe havens or humanitarian corridors. The destruction of housing units has left entire neighborhoods uninhabitable, forcing families to seek refuge in makeshift shelters or open spaces. The lack of food and clean water has led to widespread malnutrition and health crises, particularly among children and the elderly. Humanitarian organizations, already stretched thin, are struggling to meet the overwhelming needs of the population.
In the West Bank, the combination of military operations and settler violence has created a climate of fear and uncertainty. The targeting of farmers and the destruction of agricultural resources are part of a broader strategy to disrupt Palestinian life and livelihoods. The loss of trees and crops not only affects individual families but also undermines the economic viability of entire communities. The UN has called for an immediate end to these attacks and for measures to protect Palestinian civilians from further violence.
The international community’s response to the crisis has been mixed. While some countries and organizations have condemned the violence and called for humanitarian aid, others have been slow to act, citing political complexities. The UN has repeatedly urged all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and to adhere to international humanitarian law. However, the ongoing nature of the conflict suggests that these calls have yet to translate into meaningful action on the ground.
The situation in Gaza and the West Bank is a stark reminder of the human cost of prolonged conflict. Families are being torn apart, communities are being destroyed, and entire generations are growing up in an environment of fear and deprivation. The destruction of homes, schools, and agricultural resources has long-term implications for the future of both regions. Rebuilding will require not only financial investment but also a commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict.
As the crisis deepens, the UN continues to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to allow aid to reach those in need. The organization has also called for accountability for those responsible for attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The international community must act swiftly to address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank, ensuring that the rights and dignity of all people are upheld.
In Gaza City, the scale of destruction is a testament to the devastating impact of the ongoing military operations. The loss of 81,000 housing units and the damage to 83% of structures have left the city in ruins, with residents facing an uncertain future. In the West Bank, the relentless attacks by settlers and the prolonged military operations have created a state of perpetual insecurity for Palestinian communities. The destruction of over 17,000 trees and saplings is not just an economic loss but a blow to the cultural and historical fabric of the region.
The UN’s warnings underscore the urgent need for action to address the humanitarian crisis in both Gaza and the West Bank. The international community must come together to provide immediate relief to those affected and to work toward a lasting solution that ensures peace, security, and justice for all. Without swift and decisive action, the situation risks deteriorating further, with devastating consequences for millions of Palestinians.
As the world watches, the people of Gaza and the West Bank continue to endure unimaginable suffering. The UN’s call for an end to the violence and for the protection of civilians must be heeded before more lives are lost and more communities are destroyed. The time for action is now, and the international community has a moral obligation to respond.
