Geneva, June 14 (RHC)-- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres says a “unique level” of death and destruction is unfolding before the eyes of the world in the besieged Gaza Strip, stressing that supporting the whole population of Palestinians in the territory is “extremely difficult” when it is continuously “under fire.”

Guterres made the remarks on the sidelines of a forum at the UN headquarters in the Swiss city of Geneva, saying that the war in the Palestinian coastal sliver was unlike anything he had experienced as the head of the world body.  “We have witnessed … a unique level of destruction and … unique level of casualties in the Palestinian population during these months of war that has no precedent in any other situation that I’ve lived as Secretary General of the United Nations,” the UN chief said.

Israel waged the atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship after Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the usurping regime on October 7, 2023.

At least 37,202 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and another 84,932 individuals have sustained injuries.  More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced during the war as well.

Guterres further said that providing assistance to the Gaza population faced immense challenges due to ongoing conflict and Israeli blockade, which prevents the delivery of essential humanitarian supplies like food, fuel, medicine, and clean water.  “It’s extremely difficult to support the population when there are so many restrictions to the entry of the necessary supplies for humanitarian aid,” he said.

UNICEF says unless treatment can be quickly resumed for these children, they are at immediate and serious risk of becoming critically ill.

Meanwhile, the UN children agency (UNICEF) said in a statement that some 3,000 children are at risk of dying before the eyes of their families as they have been cut off from treatment for severe acute malnutrition in southern Gaza.

“Horrific images continue to emerge from Gaza of children dying before their families’ eyes due to the continued lack of food, nutrition supplies, and the destruction of healthcare services,” said UNICEF Regional Director for West Asia and North Africa Adele Khodr.

Children suffering from malnutrition face an increased susceptibility to diseases and other health complications, exacerbated by restricted access to safe water, sewage overflow, infrastructure damage, and inadequate hygiene resources.

Gaza officials say 15,694 children have been killed and 17,000 others are without parents after 250 days of Israel’s war on Gaza.