Palestinian ambassador's pain spilled over in UN on Gaza tragedy: "Hunger is swallowing children", Israel accepted ceasefire proposal

New York: Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour broke down crying while describing the horrific situation in Gaza at the United Nations (UN) on Thursday, May 29. Addressing the Security Council, he said, "Hunger is swallowing children. Mothers are asking for forgiveness by hugging the lifeless bodies of their children to their chests." Amidst this emotional appeal, a positive news also came that Israel has accepted the ceasefire agreement proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff. However, Hamas has not yet given final consent to this, due to which the hopes of peace in Gaza are hanging in the balance.

Scene of starvation and devastation in Gaza

The war that began after Hamas' attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, has brought Gaza to the brink of devastation. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks have killed more than 61,000 Palestinians so far, mostly women and children. 80% of Gaza's population has been displaced, and 70% of the infrastructure has been destroyed.

The blockade imposed by Israel since March 2025 has completely stopped the supply of food, medicine, and fuel to Gaza. According to a UN report, 4.7 lakh people in Gaza are facing severe starvation, and 14,000 children could die of hunger and malnutrition in the next 48 hours. Riyad Mansour told the UN, "I have grandchildren too. I can understand what the families of Gaza are going through."

The stampede at a food distribution centre in Rafah on May 27, which left 3 people dead and 46 injured, caught the world's attention. According to Al Jazeera's report, the stampede occurred after Israeli soldiers fired in the air, although the Israeli army described it as a warning for crowd control.

Ceasefire proposal: Israel agrees, Hamas responds

US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff presented a ceasefire proposal through mediators from Egypt and Qatar, which Israel accepted on May 29. The proposal includes a temporary ceasefire of 60 days, the release of 10 live Israeli hostages and the bodies of 18 dead hostages, the release of several Palestinian prisoners, and the resumption of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Hamas has described the proposal as positive, but its demands are different. Hamas leader Bassem Naim said, "We want a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and Palestinian self-rule." According to Reuters, Hamas is reviewing the proposal, but has not yet given formal consent. Some analysts believe Hamas' conditions will be difficult for Israel to accept, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to "eradicate" Hamas.

Reaction of the United Nations and the international community

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and demanded that Israel immediately open aid routes. He presented his five-step plan, which includes aid delivery and protection of civilians. Guterres said, "People are starving in Gaza. This is a violation of international law."

22 Western countries warned Israel that blocking aid to Gaza is inhumane, but the silence of Muslim countries has raised questions. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said, "Our goal is to save 14,000 children in the next 48 hours."

Call of the people of Gaza

Riyad Mansour showed pictures of Gaza children at the UN and said, "These are children, who are dying of hunger and bombs. Why is the world silent?" His appeal went viral on social media, where many users wrote that Gaza's pain has now become unbearable. One post read, "The pain of the Palestinian ambassador is a wake-up call for the whole world." However, some users accused Hamas of not releasing the hostages.

Way forward

Despite Israel's ceasefire agreement, Hamas' response is creating uncertainty. Experts say the proposal could bring immediate relief to Gaza, but both sides will have to make difficult compromises for lasting peace. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued arrest warrants for war crimes against Israel and Hamas leaders, which has further complicated the talks.

Conclusion

Hunger and violence in Gaza have pushed millions of people to death. Riyad Mansour's passionate address to the UN and Israel's ceasefire agreement have shown a ray of hope for peace, but Hamas' final decision will determine its success. Will the people of Gaza get relief soon, or will the war continue? This question remains a challenge for the whole world.