The city of Rafah in Gaza is described as a “pressure cooker of despair.” The United States ambassador to the United Nations emphasizes the crucial importance of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
The speaker emphasized the need for a thorough and timely investigation by the United Nations and an impartial external evaluation by a non-UN organization regarding UNRWA. The allegations of UN employees’ involvement in the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups against Israeli communities must also be included.
“We will regain the trust of our donors and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. We also recognize the Secretary-General’s dedication towards achieving this goal,” she stated while addressing reporters at a stakeout in the United Nations headquarters in New York, speaking on her own behalf.
“Comply with” resolutions passed by the Security Council.
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the importance of following through and enacting the two resolutions regarding humanitarian aid that have already been approved by the Security Council. She also urged strong support for UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator Sigrid Kaag, who has been tasked by the Council to assist in increasing aid to the enclave.
“Her achievements, which we have consistently acknowledged, are not only her own, but also reflect positively on the UN’s efforts in Gaza,” she stated. She emphasized the importance of not hindering her progress or jeopardizing the delicate negotiations currently underway.
The ambassador acknowledged the continuous efforts of her country in collaboration with neighboring parties to create a plan that will ensure the release of hostages being held by Hamas and other organizations, as demanded by the Security Council.
She expressed that making this decision would result in a longer humanitarian break, surpassing the one that occurred in November. This would allow for essential resources such as food, water, fuel, and medicine to reach Palestinian civilians who are in dire need.
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield expressed concern that the proposed draft resolution by Security Council member Algeria may disrupt ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages and extend a much-needed humanitarian pause for Palestinian civilians and aid workers.
Last year, on November 15th and December 22nd, the Council passed two resolutions. These resolutions urged for emergency and longer-lasting humanitarian breaks in the Gaza Strip to allow aid to reach civilians. They also demanded for the prompt and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other organizations. In the second resolution, the Council requested for the appointment of a Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator by the Secretary-General. This coordinator would be responsible for overseeing and ensuring the humanitarian purpose of aid supplies by facilitating, coordinating, monitoring, and verifying them.
Attempts to combat the increasing violence in the West Bank
The US Ambassador also acknowledged measures recently revealed by the White House to combat the concerning increase of attacks by settlers in the West Bank.
According to reports from the media, President Joseph Biden of the United States has issued an executive order on Thursday that enforces monetary penalties and travel restrictions on four Israeli individuals living in the West Bank. These individuals have been involved in violent attacks against Palestinians.
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield stated that the executive order aims to address actions such as violence against civilians and intimidation, which may lead them to flee their homes, disrupt their priorities, and commit acts of terrorism that threaten the security, peace, and stability of both Israelis and Palestinians.
She urged for the current moment to be utilized for the progress of delicate negotiations involving hostages, to support Special Coordinator Kaag’s suggestion, and to hold responsible those who engage in violent acts that jeopardize safety and stability.
A ‘pressure cooker of despair’
In the meantime, numerous individuals from Gaza are still escaping from intense conflicts in Khan Younis to the extremely overcrowded city of Rafah in the south, which has been described by UN humanitarian workers as a “pressure cooker of hopelessness”.
The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, has issued a warning after almost four months since Israel launched a destructive bombing campaign in retaliation to terrorist attacks led by Hamas on October 7. These attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in southern Israeli communities and the kidnapping of over 250 individuals.
According to spokesperson Jens Laerke from OCHA, in the past few days, a large number of Palestinians have migrated to Rafah in the southern part of Gaza. This area is currently home to more than half of the total population of 2.3 million people.
One hundred thousand individuals have either died, been injured, or gone missing.
Expressing ongoing worries about the lack of safety in Gaza, especially in light of Israeli shelling near Rafah on Friday, Mr. Laerke informed reporters that a majority of the recent arrivals are currently residing in temporary shelters, tents, or exposed to the elements. He described Rafah as a highly tense and desperate situation, with concerns about potential future events.
According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO), the ongoing bombing raids and ground fighting between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian militants have led to a total of 100,000 casualties in Gaza, including deaths, injuries, and missing individuals presumed dead.
Out of the 27,019 fatalities documented by the enclave’s health authorities, 60% were women and children, according to a report from the UN health agency. Additionally, over 66,000 people have been injured and are in need of medical treatment, but access to care continues to be a challenge.
Health system crumbling
The task of restocking hospitals and medical centers in the war-torn enclave is described as “extremely challenging.” Dr. Rick Peeperkorn, WHO Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stated that out of 15 planned missions to the north in January, only three were completed. Four were hindered by inaccessible routes, one was postponed, and eight were denied.
Dr. Peeperkorn noted that out of the 11 scheduled trips to the southern region last month, four were successfully completed, two were rescheduled, and two were hindered due to delayed opening of checkpoints or prolonged delays. Three missions were not approved due to denied authorizations.
The WHO official, speaking from Jerusalem, expressed concern about the lack of safety measures and humanitarian passages in Gaza, which are impeding the ability to efficiently and securely conduct humanitarian efforts. They also noted that restricted access to hospitals could potentially disrupt the functioning of the healthcare system.
Child trauma
UNICEF reported that there are at least 17,000 children in Gaza who are either alone or separated from their families.
“Each one, a heartbreaking story of loss and grief,” said Jonathan Crickx, UNICEF Chief of Communication in the State of Palestine.
The UNICEF representative, speaking from Jerusalem, shared their experience of meeting children in Gaza this week with reporters in Geneva. One of the children they met was 11-year-old Razan, who tragically lost most of her family during a bombing attack in the initial weeks of the conflict.
“Mr. Crickx shared that Razan’s family, including her mother, father, brother, and two sisters, tragically lost their lives. Razan herself suffered an injury to her leg, resulting in the need for amputation. Unfortunately, her wound became infected after the surgery. Currently, her aunt and uncle, who have also been displaced to Rafah, are caring for Razan.”
According to the UNICEF representative, due to insufficient resources such as food, water, and shelter, extended families are facing challenges in caring for themselves, let alone children who have been orphaned or are without adult supervision.
While in Rafah, I encountered these children. It is concerning that the condition of children who are orphaned may be even more dire in the northern and central regions of the Gaza Strip.
Source: news.un.org