The United Nations has warned that Gaza is experiencing its most severe humanitarian crisis since the outbreak of the latest round of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, blaming Israel for blocking aid and violating international law.
At a press conference on Monday, the United Nations issued a stark warning about the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, saying that the situation has reached its worst point since the outbreak of hostilities 18 months ago.
"The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that the humanitarian situation is now likely to be the worst it has been in the 18 months since the outbreak of hostilities. It has now been a month and a half since any supplies were allowed through the crossings into Gaza, by far the longest such halt to date. Humanitarian aid should be above any sort of political decisions. And I think there have been Security Council resolutions, and I think we've been very clear on the fact that humanitarian aid should be freely accessible to all who need it," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general.
"Israel has responsibilities under international law as the occupying power to adequately provide basic services and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. That is not happening. We will point out the situations, the violations of, we feel, the international law," Dujarric added.
According to UN staff on the ground, Israeli attacks in Gaza have intensified in recent days, resulting in high civilian casualties and further damage to Gaza's already fragile infrastructure. Over half of Gaza's wells are now inoperable, and more than 70 percent of the territory has been designated as evacuation or danger zones following new Israeli orders.
Even UN facilities haven't been spared by Israeli attacks. Warehouses and food distribution centers operated by the United Nations in Gaza City have reportedly come under attack.
Gaza facing worst humanitarian crisis since outbreak of latest round of Israel-Hamas conflict: UN
Gaza facing worst humanitarian crisis since outbreak of latest round of Israel-Hamas conflict: UN
Voting for the second phase of Myanmar's multi-party democratic general election concluded on Sunday afternoon.
Voting began at 06:00 local time on Sunday. At 16:00, an election official at a polling station in Yangon's Latha township announced the closure of the polling station.
Following the closure, election staff at the polling station, in the presence of domestic and international media, candidates, and observers, counted the votes, including advance votes, for seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House), Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), and State and Region Hluttaws (State and Region Parliaments).
The second phase of the election was held in 100 townships across 12 of the 14 regions and states. In the Yangon region, it was held in 16 townships, including the townships of Latha, Bahan, Kyimyindaing and Kawhmu.
"We welcome the election, which is expected to bring new changes to the country," said a Yangon resident.
"I hope the parties can lead us and make it a better country, which is why I support the election," said another voter.
Myanmar's multi-party democratic general election is being held in three phases, with the first phase held in 102 townships on Dec 28 last year, and the third phase scheduled for Jan 25 this year in 63 townships.
"The parliament is scheduled to convene in March. Following the conclusion of the session, the new government will officially take office in April. We hope that more foreign investment will flow into Myanmar, enabling the public to enjoy the opportunities generated by the country's economic development more fully," said Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) said that about 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties are competing in the three phases of the election, adding that it plans to set up over 21,000 polling stations across the country for all three phases of the general election.
The election will produce the elected members of the Union Parliament (Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw) and State and Region Parliaments; the new Union Parliament will then elect a new president, who will form a new Union Government.
Voting for 2nd phase of Myanmar's general election concludes
