UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, has declared that the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip is not a “war” but a “genocide,” as conditions worsen for the enclave’s 2 million residents under a severe Israeli blockade and military offensive.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Albanese stated: “There are many ways in which Israel is destroying the Palestinians in Gaza. Creating unsustainable and inhumane conditions of life is the most complex and cruel.” She added that the “determination to destroy is evident and unequivocal.”

Albanese’s statement came amid a critical shortage of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), highlighted the situation on Monday, noting that only 30 trucks of aid have entered Gaza daily in October—merely 6% of pre-crisis supplies.

The deadly assault on Gaza follows the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, with the Health Ministry in Gaza reporting nearly 43,400 fatalities since the offensive began. The UN and international human rights groups are pressing for increased humanitarian access and an immediate ceasefire.

Israel is also currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the region. (ILKHA)