Editor's note: Mariam Shah, a special commentator for CGTN, is an Islamabad-based independent researcher in the field of conflict studies and military psychology. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

"History is watching," said the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths, which accurately highlighted the worsening and desperate situation of more than one million people in Gaza displaced in the last week after the Israeli military warned of an imminent offensive. The situation in Gaza has been described as "unprecedented" by the UN Palestine refugee agency, and the World Health Organization has condemned Israel's order for hospitals in Gaza to be evacuated, describing it as a "death sentence" for the sick and injured. A joint statement was recently issued by the five UN agencies, which stated that "Gaza was a desperate humanitarian situation before the most recent hostilities. It is now catastrophic. The world must do more."

Witnessing the situation in Gaza, three crucial steps are an immediate ceasefire, uninterrupted and unhindered humanitarian access, and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) committed by all parties to the conflict.

In the heart of the recent Israel-Palestine escalation, the humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza, where thousands of innocent lives are at stake. With relentless Israeli bombing in the besieged Gaza Strip, at least 6,747 Palestinians have been killed, most of whom are women and children. Israel's casualties are also heavy, with more than 1,400 killed during the past three weeks. People in Gaza now have nowhere to go due to the Israeli blockade. Gaza is on its knees as the entire system collapses.

International Humanitarian Law Violations in Gaza

International humanitarian law must be upheld in times of conflict, as it is not, and can never be, optional. Since October 7, we have witnessed a massive list of violations of IHL.

Under the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, everyone is entitled to protection, including civilians, prisoners of war, journalists, paramedics, aid workers, the wounded, and even the dead. But we have been witnessing an alarming counter-trend. We see a disregard for the rules and principles of basic humanity and a failure to uphold the sanctity of human life.

Israel's actions appear to be driven by a desire for vengeance, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assertion that "Hamas is responsible for EVERYTHING that happens in Gaza" suggests a disregard for the laws of war. The international law enshrined at the core of the Geneva Conventions categorically prohibits all types of collective punishment. "Israel's actions have exceeded the scope of self-defense," said Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister.

The devastating bombing of al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, which killed nearly 500 civilians, provoked many nations and organizations to denounce Israel's actions as a "massacre," and a blatant "violation of international humanitarian law."

The Israeli strikes have affected civilian-populated areas and protected locations, including hospitals, refugee camps, mosques, educational facilities, and entire neighborhoods. Many of these attacks appear indiscriminate, and IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed on October 10 that "the emphasis is on damage and not on accuracy."

In addition to indiscriminate civilian casualties, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant imposed a "complete siege," ensuring "no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed." Civilian movement in and out of Gaza is nearly impossible due to closed border crossings, and the IDF bombed the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

The need for immediate action

The recent escalation is one of the worst in recent times, and if not acted now, things will get much worse and catastrophic for the people living in Gaza.

To prevent further loss of life, Gaza does require uninterrupted humanitarian aid and relief efforts. Still, more than that, the gravity of the situation demands an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.

Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, and no assistance and relief will work if the inhabitants are constantly bombarded. In a recent statement, Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council Charlotte Slente stated, "More innocent lives will be lost if the international community does not take action to ensure a ceasefire now."  

Additionally, laws are not words on paper, nor should they be locked up in big volumes. Laws are made to be applied, and all those who bypass them need accountability. Whatever is happening in Gaza now needs thorough investigation, and it calls on the international legal fraternity to objectively assess the situation.

There is a need for the international community to ensure an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and accountability for IHL violations committed by all parties. Upholding international law is not an option but an absolute necessity now.

The global community must act because the stakes are too high to delay taking action. Gaza needs a collective global voice, and it is imperative to recognize the severity of this situation and act accordingly to end this avoidable humanitarian suffering.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on Twitter to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)