Even with constant Israeli attacks in response to Hamas’ actions on October 7th, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Israel and over 250 hostages, UNRWA remains committed to delivering essential aid to the 2 million civilians in Gaza.

According to Gaza’s health authorities, the conflict has resulted in the death of at least 26,637 Palestinians and 65,387 injuries. The Israeli military has reported 218 soldiers killed and 1,267 injured in Gaza.

UNRWA is the largest humanitarian organization in the enclave, responsible for running shelters that serve over one million individuals. They provide essential resources such as food, water, and healthcare services, and also serve as a crucial facilitator for the efforts of other UN and partner agencies in the area.

According to Christian Lindmeier, a representative of the UN World Health Organization (WHO), UNWRA is responsible for providing shelters, health centers, and other resources in Gaza. He echoed the sentiments of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and urged donors not to stop funding UNWRA during this crucial time. Halting funds will only harm the people of Gaza who are in great need of assistance.

The US announced on Friday that it has halted financial support due to accusations against 12 UNRWA employees, accused by Israel of being involved in the October 7th attacks. An immediate and thorough investigation is ongoing and a few of the implicated employees have been terminated by the organization.

Famine threat persists

Despite the UN agency and other humanitarian partners’ efforts in Gaza, a significant number of individuals are facing the possibility of starvation after almost four months of conflict.

In search of sustenance and provisions, certain individuals have turned to rummaging through aid caravans, such as one that occurred on Tuesday morning in the city of Khan Younis in the south.

Earlier today, a group of people, including patients and healthcare workers, attempted to travel to Nasser Hospital for supplies. However, the supplies had already been taken by the population who were in dire need. This information was shared by Mr. Lindmeier.

He informed journalists in Geneva that the incident, which is not uncommon, highlights the urgent needs in Gaza. He cautioned that disease could easily spread among the malnourished population and worsen the situation amidst ongoing bombing, shelling, and destruction of buildings.

According to the WHO representative, the conditions at Nasser Hospital have deteriorated, with ongoing violence and challenges for people trying to enter or leave the hospital.

Uprooted again

The UN aid coordination office OCHA issued a warning that an increased number of individuals were displaced from their residences due to continued conflict and orders from the Israeli military.

According to a post on X, previously known as Twitter, there is currently a new wave of displacement occurring in #Gaza. This is due to eviction orders being issued for large residential areas and ongoing intense hostilities. The number of casualties is increasing, and the overcrowding in the south is making it difficult to provide humanitarian aid to the north.

Source: news.un.org