Hundreds of Palestinians were killed and injured as a result of the Israeli air strikes on Gaza City and areas in the central Gaza Strip.
The government media office in Gaza confirmed that Israeli forces bombed residential buildings in the north inhabited by more than 170 civilians, leading to the death of 84 Palestinians, including more than 50 children, in addition to dozens of injured and missing people. Also, 126 Palestinians from the “Abu Nasr” family and about 125 others were killed. Under the rubble, after the occupation forces bombed their house in the Beit Lahia project in the northern Gaza Strip, and 3 Palestinians were killed in the bombing of the Al-Saftawi neighborhood, northwest of Gaza City. Five were also killed and others were injured in a bombing that targeted a house in the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip.
The Israeli forces have continued to bomb the Gaza Strip, by land, sea and air, since October 7, 2023, killing more than 43,000 Palestinians and wounding about 102,000 others, the majority of whom are children and women. Thousands of missing persons are still under the rubble, amid deterioration. The humanitarian situation in the sector.
World Food Program: There is no alternative to UNRWA in Gaza
Director of the World Food Program office in Berlin, Martin Frick, said, “The program cannot be an alternative to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Middle East (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip.”
“We cannot carry out the important tasks that UNRWA does in Gaza, such as managing emergency shelters, schools and health centers,” Frick said.
Frick said: “UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip and ensures “nutrition, protection and medical care for populations suffering from inhumane conditions.”
He added, “The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is unimaginable and requires a comprehensive response in which UNRWA plays the central role,” stressing that “banning UNRWA will deprive those struggling to survive of their last resources.”
Raids and arrests in the West Bank
Israeli forces carried out a series of incursions into multiple areas in the West Bank, including the town of Jaba, south of Jenin, and stormed the town of Idhna, west of Hebron, and the city of Yatta, south of Hebron.
Israeli violations in the West Bank since October 7, 2023 have resulted in the killing of 751 Palestinians, the injury of about 6,250 others, and the arrest of more than 11,200 Palestinians.
Last updated: November 2, 2024 – 11:22
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Humanitarian Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We have with us Dr. Alex Cohen, a humanitarian expert and director of the Middle East operations for a leading international relief organization. Dr. Cohen, the reports are harrowing, with over 43,000 Palestinians killed and many more injured since October 7. Can you help us understand the scale of this crisis?
Dr. Cohen: Good afternoon. Yes, the situation is indeed catastrophic. The loss of life, particularly among civilians—many of whom are children—is not just a tragedy but a humanitarian emergency. The bombings have left entire families decimated, and the continuing airstrikes have made it nearly impossible for rescue efforts to proceed effectively.
Editor: The government media office in Gaza has stated that many casualties resulted from strikes on residential buildings, which is particularly distressing. What do you think this means for international humanitarian law?
Dr. Cohen: The targeting of civilian structures is deeply concerning and raises serious questions under international humanitarian law. Civilians should be protected during armed conflict, and any military action must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. The repeated strikes on residential areas suggest a violation of these principles, which makes the situation even more urgent.
Editor: You mentioned rescue efforts—how are humanitarian organizations adapting to these conditions?
Dr. Cohen: Organizations like mine are working tirelessly to provide immediate aid, but the challenges are monumental. With much of Gaza in ruins and access to certain areas severely restricted, delivering food, medical supplies, and other essentials is perilous. We’re relying on partnerships within the region to navigate these challenges, but we urgently need a ceasefire to allow for humanitarian corridors.
Editor: Speaking of aid, we recently heard from Martin Frick, the director of the World Food Program, stressing that there is no alternative to UNRWA in Gaza. Why is that?
Dr. Cohen: UNRWA plays a critical role as it has a longstanding presence in Gaza, providing essential services—educational, healthcare, and food aid—to millions of Palestinian refugees. While other organizations are stepping in, they cannot replace the depth and breadth of UNRWA’s established programs. An alternative approach would likely fragment aid efforts and exacerbate the crisis as needs outstrip available resources.
Editor: The article indicates a complete humanitarian breakdown, citing that many people are still missing under rubble. What can be done to assist those families who are currently in turmoil as they search for loved ones?
Dr. Cohen: First and foremost, we need urgent support for psychological care for families experiencing trauma from the loss or disappearance of loved ones. Additionally, it’s crucial to establish safe zones where those searching for missing persons can operate without the threat of further violence. Organizations need to collaborate closely with local groups to facilitate search and rescue operations, where possible.
Editor: Lastly, how can the international community help alleviate the crisis in Gaza?
Dr. Cohen: The international community must step up diplomatic efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, which is vital for humanitarian access. Apart from that, there’s an urgent need for funding to support relief operations—not just for immediate aid but also for the long-term rebuilding of Gaza once cessation of hostilities is achieved. Advocacy and pressure on all parties to respect international humanitarian law must also be reinforced.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for sharing these insights. The situation in Gaza is a pressing global issue that calls for immediate collective action. We hope for a swift resolution to this humanitarian crisis.
Dr. Cohen: Thank you for having me. Raising awareness is the first step toward change.