GENEVA

The chief of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees on Wednesday warned that the war in Gaza has escalated beyond a humanitarian catastrophe, describing it as a fundamental threat to the rules-based international order and urging immediate action by states.

"Entire families, entire neighborhoods, an entire generation are being wiped out in Gaza," Philippe Lazzarini said on X, citing his address to the Emergency Conference of States held in Bogota. "Hundreds of UNRWA staff -- our colleagues, our friends -- have been killed. Aid is blocked. Civilians are not protected."

The UNRWA chief underscored that the war in Gaza is "not only a humanitarian catastrophe, it is a crisis for the rules-based international order," emphasizing the urgency for states to act collectively.

In this context, Lazzarini welcomed the creation of the Hague Group -- a coalition of member states committed to upholding international law and protecting Palestinian civilians amid widespread violations of humanitarian norms.

"It's a moment for courage. I urged member states to take action for the people of Gaza," he concluded.

The EU-Israel Association Agreement, which governs political and economic ties between the two parties, includes a binding clause requiring respect for human rights and democratic principles. Failure to comply with this clause can lead to sanctions or suspension of the agreement.

EU foreign ministers met on Monday and Tuesday to discuss growing concerns over Israel's attacks in Gaza, amid mounting civilian casualties and international calls for accountability. However, member states were unable to reach a consensus, resulting in no formal decision to suspend the agreement or impose sanctions.

Josep Borrell, who concluded his term as the EU's top diplomat last year, has been a vocal critic of Israel's attacks and has previously called for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which gives Tel Aviv preferential trade terms.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has pursued a brutal offensive on Gaza since late October 2023, killing over 58,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

The relentless bombardment has destroyed the enclave and led to food shortages and the spread of diseases.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.