'This defies humanity': UN's Martin Griffiths deplores Gaza killings as death toll passes 10,000

By Ahmed Gouda

ISTANBUL (AA) - Martin Griffiths, the UN deputy secretary-general and emergency relief coordinator, on Tuesday deplored the ongoing killings in Gaza as the death toll from Israeli attacks since Oct. 7 has passed 10,000.

In a post on X, he said: "10,000 people have reportedly been killed since 7 October ... 10,000 people in one month. This defies humanity."

Earlier, the Gaza-based media office said 2% of the besieged enclave's population was "direct victims to the Israeli aggression either martyrs or injured."

Israel has launched relentless air, and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas a month ago.

At least 10,022 Palestinians, including 4,104 children and 2,641 women, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since then. Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is nearly 1,600, according to official figures.

UN chief Antonio Guterres in a statement on Monday said, "Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children" as hundreds of girls and boys are being killed or injured every day.

He reiterated his call for a humanitarian cease-fire, more aid for Gaza, unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas, and protection of civilians, hospitals, UN facilities, shelters and schools.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar