Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Nearly 360,000 people have fled Rafah in the last week amid continuing Israeli bombardment that has crippled humanitarian aid deliveries and is believed to have killed another UN aid worker, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said on Monday.
Escalating Crisis
Gazans are on the move again as Israeli forces intensify bombardments. UNRWA warned of ongoing “restricted humanitarian access” to and across the Gaza Strip that was now “a matter of life or death” for Gazans already suffering “relentless bombardments and food insecurity”.
Urgent Appeal for Aid
The UN agency insisted on the immediate need for safe passage for humanitarian aid and workers, as more displacement and fear grip thousands of families in the region. The UN has highlighted its $2.8 billion appeal to support over three million people in Gaza and the West Bank over the next eight months.
Healthcare Concerns
The World Health Organization has raised concerns about the provision of health services in Rafah being jeopardized due to the ongoing crisis. Fuel shortages are also threatening the continuity of humanitarian efforts, with partners requiring a minimum of 46,000 litres of fuel daily for their operations.
Impact on Civilians
After more than seven months of war, at least 35,000 people have been killed, with many more wounded or missing. The situation is dire, with women and children facing the brunt of the crisis, lacking access to essential resources like food, water, and healthcare.
Call for Action
Despite the challenges, the OCHA official emphasized the importance of continued funding and humanitarian efforts to support those in need. There is still hope for assistance and relief efforts, even amidst the ongoing conflict.