'Unprecedented' scale of conflict in the Middle East, says Uni of Buckingham lecturer
The Director of UN Studies at the University of Buckingham described the conflict between Israel and Palestine as 'unprecedented'.
As this week marked one month since the conflict erupted between Israel and Palestine, the number of civilian casualties in the region is reported by the UN to have reached over 10,000 between both sides.
The UN said Hamas reported over 10,000 casualties on their side, with women and children representing over 70% of deaths in both Israel and Palestinian territories.
Yesterday, foreign Secretary James Cleverly travelled to Saudi Arabia as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent the situation from escalating and reaching neighbouring countries.
James Cleverly is expected to hold high-level talks with regional counterparts and work towards a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel.
His visit is also intended to push for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
Professor of UN Studies at the University of Buckingham, and former speechwriter for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Mark Seddon, said: "The United Nations said it's unprecedented, and the UN has been in this part of the Middle East for over 75 years as well."
"...if there's a ceasefire at least hostages can be released and humanitarian aid can get in."
With avenues to reach Gaza being blocked off, civilians are running out of food, water and supplies.
Professor Seddon said: "Normally, you would be getting humanitarian aid to them, or they would have somewhere else to go.
"The Israelis have said to people in Northern Gaza 'you must move south' and many have of course, but those people remaining have not because they've got nowhere else to go."
According to the Press Association, More than 70% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million have already left their homes.