Israeli Military Operation in Rafah Raises Concerns of Humanitarian Crisis
An Israeli military operation in Rafah has raised alarm among humanitarian organizations, with the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, warning that it could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Impact on Displaced Palestinians
The ground operation in Rafah could result in more suffering and death for the 1.2 million displaced Palestinians sheltering in and around the southernmost city of Gaza, according to OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke.
Healthcare Concerns
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concerns about the potential impact on healthcare services in Gaza. Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stated that contingency plans are insufficient to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
Challenges to Health System
The WHO warned that a military operation would lead to a new wave of displacement, overcrowding, and reduced access to essential resources, further straining the already ailing health system in Gaza.
Food and Medical Supplies
The security situation could impede the movement of food, water, and medical supplies into Gaza, exacerbating the existing challenges faced by healthcare facilities in the region.
Impact on Hospitals
Only a fraction of hospitals and primary healthcare facilities in Gaza are partially functional, with dialysis treatment at risk due to the potential consequences of a military operation.
Malnutrition Concerns
Despite some improvement in food availability, malnutrition remains a significant concern, with reports of children dying from illnesses linked to food insecurity.
UN Contingency Efforts
UN agencies, including WHO, are working to establish field hospitals, preposition medical supplies, and enhance healthcare services in anticipation of a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.