‘This is not the kind of ceasefire we want to see’ in Gaza, UN official says

• UN official Ajith Sunghay says 1,150 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire was announced, most of them civilians.
• He says the humanitarian crisis remains “extremely difficult,” with Palestinians confined to just 30 percent of the Gaza Strip.

A ceasefire may exist on paper in the Gaza Strip, but it is not being respected on the ground, according to Ajith Sunghay, head of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Sunghay said there had been repeated violations of international humanitarian and human rights law throughout the period since October 2023.

“While a ceasefire was declared, there have been numerous violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law throughout this period,” he said.

According to figures from Sunghay’s office, 1,150 people have been killed since the ceasefire announcement, the majority of them civilians.

He said the deaths resulted from bombardment, naval strikes and gunfire across areas where Palestinians can still move, which account for about 30 percent of the Gaza Strip.

The UN human rights chief has repeatedly raised the issue, Sunghay said.

“This is not the kind of ceasefire we want to see,” he said.

Asked whether reporting to the UN Security Council or the International Criminal Court has made a difference, Sunghay said there had been some limited progress but not enough to produce meaningful change for Palestinians in Gaza.

“There have been small steps taken, minor changes, but they are not enough for people in Gaza to feel that anything has really changed,” he said.

Sunghay said the humanitarian situation remains “extremely difficult” after nearly 1,000 days of war.

He said Palestinians remain confined to around 30 percent of the Gaza Strip, while the ‘Israeli’ military’s control line continues to shift.

“The bigger problem has not stopped. Urgent action is needed,” Sunghay concluded.