As a doctor working at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City told RTÉ, it is “like a horror movie”.

“People are either dying by being bombed or shot or starved to death, or they’re evacuated elsewhere,” Dr Nada Abu Alrub said.

Today’s News in 90 Seconds – September 23rd

With more than 65,000 Palestinians killed, global leaders must combine forces to demand an end to the war. All military objectives have been met. Despite the region being struck by a man-made famine – brought about by aid restrictions – an all-out assault on Gaza City was commenced, killing dozens more every day.

Although the recognition of Palestine by the UK, France, Australia, Canada and Portugal is welcome, it is regrettable Germany and Italy are not yet on board. Ireland and Norway jointly recognised a Palestinian state last year. Spain followed later.

Yet Washington has warned of possible consequences for the endorsement. Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that it amounts to “a huge reward for terrorism”.

There are now fears that Netanyahu could succumb to calls from his hardliners and annex the West Bank in retaliation. This has to be universally opposed. Israel is already in breach of international law with its “settlers”.

. In truth, the UN lost its voice as the world’s town crier decades ago

Of course, the hostages must be released and Hamas has to be called to account, but a sustainable settlement has to be agreed. Tel Aviv’s blind policy of “killing to stop the killing” has to be called out, along with its maximalist demands.

Beyond the Middle East, the actions of Russia will also be on the agenda at the UN Security Council. Estonia called for an emergency meeting after Russia violated its airspace. The council met recently when Russian drones entered Polish airspace.

But as Moscow has veto power, the council’s hands are tied. In truth, the UN lost its voice as the world’s town crier decades ago; 80 years since it was built from the rubble of World War II, its major decision-making mechanism, the Security Council, again finds itself with its gears jammed. With levers being pulled simultaneously, in so many different directions, the result is inertia. This failure to steer or drive risks rendering it redundant.

Its inability to speak as one is also a betrayal of its ideals. China and Russia have aligned against the West on Ukraine, while the US has backed Israel at every turn, against the rest of the UN.

It was set up with agreed red lines on borders for a post-World War II order. Sadly, when that spirit of ­multilateralism – its very driving force – has never been more needed, it has never been more threatened.

Conflict is inevitable, but continuous combat should not be. A forum where disputes were once ended risks becoming one where they begin.