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In a joint statement, leaders from the United Nations’ aid agencies have expressed profound concern, asserting that “we are witnessing acts of war in Gaza that demonstrate an utter disregard for human life.” They emphasized the humanitarian crisis resulting from Israeli displacement orders, which have compelled hundreds of thousands to flee without access to safe havens.
With the Israeli blockade on Gaza intensifying and now ongoing for two months, these officials are calling on world leaders to respond decisively and urge that the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law be upheld. Their urgent requests include protecting civilians, enabling aid access, releasing hostages, and establishing a renewed ceasefire.
Widespread Suffering
Over 2.1 million residents of Gaza are reportedly being “trapped, bombed, and starved,” according to top UN officials. They contend that claims of sufficient food supplies within Gaza are disconnected from the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants.
Recently, UNICEF reported the closure of 21 centers dedicated to the treatment of malnutrition in Gaza due to ongoing hostilities and forced evacuations from operational areas. The agency has cautioned that more than one million children are facing severe repercussions from the ongoing Israeli embargo.
UNICEF spokesperson Abu Khalaf condemned the blockade and indicated that numerous aid parcels are ready to be dispatched to Gaza but remain unaccessed.
Critical Food Shortages
According to Abu Khalaf, complementary food supplies for infants have been exhausted, with current stocks only sufficient to provide ready-to-use milk for about 400 children for an entire month.
UNRWA, the UN agency focused on Palestinian refugees and the largest humanitarian body in Gaza, has highlighted the worsening situation following Israel’s decision on April 2 to halt all humanitarian and commercial supply entries into the region.
Reports from Gazan health authorities stated that Israeli airstrikes over the weekend resulted in at least 32 fatalities, including several women and children. Moreover, accusations have surfaced claiming the Israeli military has largely obliterated housing in Rafah, effectively isolating the southern city from the rest of Gaza.
“Over a month has passed since Israel banned the entry of aid and supplies into #Gaza,” surmised UNRWA. “Our resources are dwindling, and the situation is becoming increasingly desperate.”
Although efforts continue to be made with the remaining supplies, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) noted that its 25 subsidized bakeries have now closed due to lack of resources. The prices of scarce goods in stores have skyrocketed, exacerbating the crisis, as food aid and cooking gas have been barred from entering the enclave.
“Poor children are searching all day for something to eat, but they are finding nothing,” expressed Jalila Abu Laila, a resident of a camp for displaced individuals in northern Gaza. “The availability of food is virtually nonexistent; only occasional rice is distributed by generous individuals, but overall, we are unable to offer any substantial assistance.”
In related developments, Israeli territories also came under fire recently, including the southern city of Ashkelon, following Hamas’s claims of responsibility for launching rockets into Israel. The Israeli military reported that approximately 10 projectiles were fired, most of which were intercepted successfully.
Source
news.un.org