The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned that more than two million displaced people in the Gaza Strip are besieged by hunger, thirst and disease, and said that obtaining meals has become an impossible task for families in the Strip.
According to what was reported by the Palestinian National Agency, UNRWA confirmed that what the Israeli occupation allows to be brought in through the crossings, in terms of flour and foodstuffs, does not meet 6% of the needs of the population in the Gaza Strip.
UNRWA indicated that the conditions of the displaced in displacement tents and shelter centers are tragic, in light of hunger and cold, and the inability of international organizations to meet the needs of the displaced, due to the scarcity of food and nutrition.
It called for the complete opening of the crossings and the entry of what the population needs to reduce the famine that has exacerbated cases of malnutrition and various diseases in the Gaza Strip.
The Financial Times quoted an UNRWA official as saying, “33 aid trucks have been parked for 6 months near the border with Egypt due to (Israeli) restrictions.” He added, “Gaza residents who suffer from malnutrition face an additional risk of contracting diseases in the winter. More than half a million people in Gaza are at risk.” “There is a risk of flooding once it rains.”
In turn, the director of medical relief in the northern Gaza Strip, Muhammad Abu Afash, indicated that “Kamal Adwan” Hospital has been under siege by the Israeli army for 40 days, and medical teams are unable to treat the injured in its surroundings.
He pointed out that the Israeli army is besieging the hospital and preventing the entry of food, water, medical supplies, and diesel fuel to operate generators and save the lives of patients.
In the latest developments in the Gaza Strip today, Monday, a person was injured as a result of an Israeli artillery shelling that targeted a house in the New Camp, west of the Nuseirat Camp in the center of the Gaza Strip.
A number of Palestinians were also injured in artillery shelling north of the Nuseirat camp. At the same time, Israeli artillery shelled violently west of the new camp, while Israeli vehicles opened fire north of Nuseirat camp.
Circulating video clips embodied the extent of the suffering facing the displaced people in the Gaza Strip in their tents, in light of the falling rain, extreme cold, and scarcity of clothes and blankets.
“Israel has continued its aggression against the Gaza Strip, by land, sea and air, since October 7, 2023, resulting in the killing of 44,211 citizens, the majority of whom were women and children, and the injury of 104,567 others.”
Last updated: November 25, 2024 – 12:59
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How is the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza impacting the local healthcare system?
Interview: The Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Editor of Time.news (E): Good day, and thank you for joining us. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Sara Al-Hassan, an expert on humanitarian crises and the Middle East. Dr. Al-Hassan, the situation in the Gaza Strip is dire, as highlighted by recent reports from UNRWA. Can you give us an overview of the current humanitarian conditions there?
Dr. Sara Al-Hassan (D): Thank you for having me. The situation in the Gaza Strip is indeed critical. As reported, more than two million displaced individuals are struggling with extreme shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Conditions in displacement shelters are described as tragic, with families facing hunger and cold. It’s alarming that current deliveries of food are only meeting about 6% of the population’s needs.
E: Those numbers are shocking. The UNRWA has specifically called for the complete opening of crossings into Gaza. What are the implications of these restrictions on the local population?
D: The implications are severe. With limited access to essential goods, food scarcity is leading to increased rates of malnutrition, alongside a rising risk of disease, especially as winter sets in. The statement from the UNRWA reflects not only a humanitarian crisis but also a looming public health emergency. If aid does not reach those in need, we could see preventable deaths from both starvation and disease.
E: Speaking of health crises, can you elaborate on the situation regarding medical facilities in Gaza, particularly regarding the “Kamal Adwan” Hospital?
D: Certainly. The ”Kamal Adwan” Hospital has been effectively under siege, with medical teams unable to provide care due to ongoing military actions. This restriction has dire consequences for those injured or requiring medical attention in the vicinity. The inability to supply food, water, and medical supplies to hospitals can lead to a complete collapse of healthcare in the region, exacerbating the suffering of the patients who depend on these facilities.
E: It sounds utterly devastating. The report mentioned that there are 33 aid trucks parked near the border with Egypt due to Israeli restrictions. Could you provide insight into how these logistical challenges affect aid delivery?
D: Logistical challenges play a significant role in exacerbating the crisis. Not only does the limitation on trucks hinder immediate food and medical supplies, but it also creates a backlog of aid that could bring relief to a population in dire need. Each day those trucks remain idle, families continue to suffer, and the situation becomes more desperate. Furthermore, the longer the crossings remain closed, the more potential risk there is for flooding and other seasonal issues that could complicate the crisis even further.
E: If you were to address international audiences, what actions do you believe need to be prioritized to address this humanitarian crisis?
D: First and foremost, we need a concerted call for the opening of crossings to allow humanitarian aid to flow unimpeded into Gaza. Additionally, international organizations, including the United Nations, must pressure both local and occupying authorities for safe access for humanitarian workers. we need to ensure that ongoing assessments of needs are made, and resources are directed efficiently to enable assistance that addresses both immediate survival and longer-term recovery efforts.
E: Thank you, Dr. Al-Hassan, for your insights during this difficult time. It’s crucial that we continue to raise awareness about the plight of those in Gaza.
D: Thank you for having me. It is essential that we continue to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves and push for urgent action to alleviate this crisis.
E: Indeed. We will continue to follow this critical story and ensure that the voices of those affected are heard. Thank you, everyone, for joining us in this important discussion.