Gaza: The UN experts on Thursday called on all states to take urgent action to halt Israel's "endless war on humanity" in Gaza, warning that the collapse of the UN-led humanitarian system is exacerbating famine and widespread human suffering.

According to Anadolu Agency, the experts emphasized the necessity for Israel to immediately restore unimpeded access to Gaza for impartial humanitarian organizations, specifically highlighting the roles of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The experts reported that more than 500,000 people, representing a quarter of Gaza's population, are currently facing famine, while the remainder are experiencing emergency levels of hunger. All 320,000 children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition, with potential lifelong impacts on their physical and mental health.

The statement criticized the use of starvation as a weapon of war, labeling it a crime under international law. The Israeli military's replacement of UN aid mechanisms with the privatized Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was cited as a contributing factor to severe food shortages and the deaths of nearly 1,400 individuals seeking food.

The experts also addressed allegations made by Israel against UNRWA involving terrorism, which resulted in 16 donor states suspending funding. Following two independent reviews and Israel's failure to substantiate its claims, all donors except the United States resumed funding.

Concerns were raised about Israel's expansion of its 'smear campaign' to include OCHA and the implementation of visa restrictions for international humanitarian staff. The experts condemned Israel's obstruction of human rights reporting, including blocking access for UN staff and targeting local journalists with impunity.

They urged states to take all necessary actions to restore the UN humanitarian system in Gaza, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and accountability for violations of international law. The experts concluded by calling for an end to the illegal occupation, as required by the International Court of Justice, and the realization of self-determination for the Palestinians in an independent, secure State of Palestine.