UN warns Gaza war risk reaches record high as infrastructure collapses

The United Nations warned on Friday, 16 October, that the risk of a return to full-scale war in Gaza has reached its highest point since the conflict began, as humanitarian infrastructure collapses and winter approaches. Ramiz Alakbarov, Acting UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, informed the Security Council that military operations and a fragile relief network have pushed the region to a critical breaking point. Humanitarian crisis and flood risks During a field visit to Gaza on Sunday, 11 October, Alakbarov reported that families are living in worn-out tents and damaged buildings without functional water or sanitation systems. UN data indicates that approximately 950,000 people currently reside in zones designated at medium or high risk of flooding. Additionally, more than 4,000 buildings used as emergency shelters are now at risk of structural collapse. The warning follows the release of internal assessments showing most of the Gaza Strip remains without electricity. Alakbarov told the Security Council that the international community must transition from verbal commitments to concrete actions to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe during the upcoming winter season. West Bank instability and settlement deadlines The UN also flagged a deteriorating security situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, citing Israeli military operations, settler violence, and movement restrictions. Alakbarov noted that settlement expansion remains a primary driver…