Gaza city: Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are facing death by bombing or starvation as Israel's destructive war continues unabated across the enclave, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed grave concerns over the ongoing crisis, highlighting that nearly 700 days into the conflict, the situation remains dire as Israeli military operations intensify.

Lazzarini, in a post on the US social media platform X, stated that hospitals, schools, shelters, and homes have been consistently targeted, contributing to the rising death toll among health staff, journalists, and humanitarian workers. He emphasized the unprecedented scale of casualties in what he described as a conflict unlike any other in recent history. "No place is safe in Gaza. No one is safe," he asserted, painting a grim picture of the living conditions in the region.

The UNRWA chief also raised alarms about the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza, noting that the blockade on crossings since March 2 has severely restricted humanitarian aid, pushing the enclave towards famine. Lazzarini warned of the slow and silent death caused by hunger, exacerbating the already perilous situation for the Palestinian population.

Condemning the impunity surrounding the bombardment and famine, Lazzarini stated, "Nothing justifies these massive attacks on Palestinian life and identity." He called for immediate action, courage, and political will to end what he termed as "hell on earth."

The military campaign has resulted in the death of nearly 63,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, devastating the enclave. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.