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The recent closure orders for schools in Gaza have left around 800 students facing the possibility of not completing their academic year. Mr. Lazzarini highlighted that these schools, operated by UNRWA, are afforded protection under the United Nations’ “privileges and immunities.” These unexpected closure directives follow legislative actions from the Israeli Knesset aimed at limiting UNRWA activities.
Challenges in Aid Access
In a troubling development, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that Israeli authorities have blocked eight out of fourteen requests by aid workers to reach those in urgent need since Tuesday. Following the breakdown of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire on March 18, approximately 68 percent of attempts by UN aid workers to secure access have been denied. Dujarric also pointed out that efforts to retrieve supplies already delivered to Gaza have been thwarted since the crossings were closed on March 2. Nonetheless, despite these hurdles, humanitarian teams have resumed critical services in northern Gaza, prioritizing urgent case management and psychosocial support.
Tragedy Strikes in Dominican Republic
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep sorrow on Wednesday regarding the tragedy in Santo Domingo, where a building collapse during a concert resulted in over 120 fatalities. This disaster, which occurred during a performance by renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez, also left many others injured as the roof gave way amidst a crowd.
Search and Reflection
Estimates indicate that between 500 and 1,000 individuals were present at the venue at the time of the collapse. Rescue operations are actively ongoing, with teams searching for potential survivors, while the cause of the incident remains unclear. Guterres has extended his sincere condolences to the grieving families and the people of the Dominican Republic.
Escalating Violence in DR Congo
The ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, leading to mass displacements and outbreaks of disease, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Recent clashes near Masisi in North Kivu province have displaced more than 45,000 individuals. Additionally, armed raids on healthcare facilities have disrupted medical services for approximately 120,000 people.
Health Crisis: Cholera Outbreak
Cholera is spreading alarmingly in the eastern regions of the DRC, with outbreaks reported in four provinces: North Kivu, South Kivu, Tanganyika, and Maniema. Concerns have escalated after eight cases were confirmed in Mulongwe refugee camp, which hosts nearly 15,000 refugees from Burundi and suffers from inadequate sanitary conditions. In Kalehe territory, cholera cases surged to 77 within a short period, significantly surpassing the emergency response threshold.
Humanitarian organizations, in partnership with local authorities, are working to control the outbreak, but challenges persist, reflecting the dire conditions on the ground.
Haiti’s Ongoing Crisis
The United Nations has raised concerns over escalating violence and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Haiti, particularly in the Centre and Ouest regions surrounding the capital, Port-au-Prince. Armed attacks have recently led to the displacement of over 30,000 individuals. UN efforts, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), are focused on providing essential support, including food, hygiene kits, and safe water.
Furthermore, a cholera outbreak is compounding the crisis, with nearly 1,300 suspected cases reported by the end of March, which include nine confirmed cases and 19 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Significant rises in suspected cases have been documented in heavily populated areas like Cité Soleil. The cholera response is led by Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health, with ongoing support from international partners to enhance surveillance, case management, and sanitation efforts.
Nonetheless, insecurity, restricted access, and shortage of resources are severely hampering these essential operations. OCHA is appealing for immediate support to expand aid and avert further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
Source
news.un.org