The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that numerous parts of the enclave have experienced flooding, making it more difficult for displaced Palestinians. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), is scheduled to update reporters in Geneva on Thursday about the current situation in Gaza after his recent visit.

Nearly 1.9 million individuals living in the enclave have been displaced due to the ongoing violence, with over half finding refuge in the southern town of Rafah. The UN Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA) shelters in the southern part of the Strip are currently housing nine times their intended capacity, forcing many individuals to live outdoors or in makeshift shelters, leaving them vulnerable to inclement weather.

Emergency situation regarding water and sanitation

According to OCHA, the shelters that are too full cannot properly handle sewage. This, along with flooding and the buildup of trash, has led to the presence of insects, mosquitoes, and rats, increasing the likelihood of disease transmission.

Earlier this week, the health officials in Gaza reported 360,000 documented cases of infectious diseases in shelters, with the possibility of even more cases unaccounted for.

On Wednesday, humanitarian organizations assisting the people of Gaza with water, sanitation, and hygiene services expressed a pressing requirement for building materials to repair water pipelines that have been damaged.

OCHA stated that failure to perform repairs may lead to cutting off water supply in specific regions located in the southern part of Gaza.

Hospital raid continues

According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Israeli military conducted a second consecutive raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, located in the northern part of Gaza City. The raid allegedly resulted in numerous arrests and mistreatment of those who were taken into custody.

OCHA reported that five doctors and all female employees who were detained the day before have now been released. However, the hospital’s director and approximately 70 other medical staff are still being held at an undisclosed location outside of the hospital. The World Health Organization, a UN health agency, has expressed worry about the raid and called for the safety of patients and staff within the hospital to be ensured.

by conflict

Females, especially women and girls, are more greatly impacted by conflict.

Experts chosen by the United Nations expressed concern on Thursday about the devastating impact of the conflict on women and girls in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.

The specialists, including individuals from the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls, raised significant worries about the kidnapping of Israeli women and girls by Hamas during their acts of terrorism on October 7th. They also expressed concern about the growing reports of sexual violence against women and girls in Israel by Hamas and other armed groups. They called for an investigation into these allegations and for those responsible to be held responsible.

The specialists also expressed concern about the devastating consequences of the war on the well-being, learning, and economic stability of females in the Gaza Strip. As of October 7, a total of 2,784 women in Gaza have been left widowed and forced to take on the role of household leader.

The independent experts designated by the UN are authorized by the Human Rights Council and are not employed by the UN. Additionally, they do not receive payment for their duties.

Source: news.un.org