Two Million Palestinians in ‘Living Hell’, says UN Chief

As Israel’s invasion of Gaza enters Day 356, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the situation for two million Palestinians as a “living hell that somehow gets even worse by the day.” He emphasized the catastrophic conditions faced by residents in the region.

“In the face of these catastrophic conditions, the women and men of UNRWA persevere,” Guterres stated on X, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. He urged the international community to intensify support for the agency’s vital mission.

Global Unions Demand Back Wages for Palestinian Workers

In a related development, ten global unions filed a complaint urging Israel to pay back wages for over 200,000 Palestinian workers. These workers have been deprived of salaries since the conflict escalated in Gaza. The complaint, lodged at the International Labour Organization (ILO) on Friday, seeks unpaid wages and withheld benefits for those employed in Israel before the October 7 attacks.

The unions cited “millions of dollars of lost income, causing severe financial insecurity” for the affected workers and their families. They pointed out that 13,000 workers from the Gaza Strip have not been compensated for their labor performed before October 7. Furthermore, nearly 200,000 Palestinian workers from the West Bank have been unable to enter Israel since the conflict erupted nearly a year ago, leaving them unpaid for prior work.

US Urges Israel to De-escalate Tensions with Lebanon

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has conveyed to Israel that further escalation of the conflict involving Lebanon will complicate civilian returns on both sides of the border. Despite Israel’s rejection of a ceasefire with Hezbollah, the US and France continue to push for an immediate 21-day truce. Negotiations are ongoing, including discussions on the sidelines of a United Nations meeting in New York.

The State Department stated, “The Secretary discussed the importance of reaching an agreement on the 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border.” He underscored that further escalation would hinder the objective of enabling civilians to return home.

Macron Calls for US Pressure on Israel

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the United States to pressure Israel to accept a 21-day ceasefire plan for Lebanon. He warned that an Israeli invasion would be a significant mistake. Earlier, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz rejected the French-US proposal for a truce. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to continue operations with full force.

In an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Macron stated there is still time for Netanyahu to commit to the ceasefire plan. He urged the US to increase pressure on the Israeli Prime Minister. Macron said, “If Netanyahu says no, France will raise the matter at the United Nations Security Council.”

He added, “We wait for all partners to be vocal and committed with us to send this clear message: Israel cannot invade Lebanon today. War is not possible in Lebanon today; it would be a huge mistake, a huge risk of escalation.”

As the humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza, international leaders continue to call for de-escalation and dialogue. The plight of the Palestinians remains dire, and the need for urgent humanitarian assistance is critical. The actions of global powers may determine whether peace can be achieved or whether tensions will continue to escalate in the region.

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