The situation in Gaza is reaching a critical point, with the UNRWA stating that 40% of the population is facing the threat of famine. In a poignant plea on social media, the agency shed light on the devastating hunger crisis, calling for urgent assistance and a humanitarian ceasefire to bring some relief.
Thomas White, the director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, spoke of the daily battle for survival, with families struggling to access basic necessities such as food and water. The agency is working tirelessly to provide flour to families in southern Gaza and offer hot meals in overcrowded school shelters.
However, Israeli government spokesperson, Eylon Levy, accused the UN of neglecting to help civilians in Gaza, alleging that Hamas intercepts aid and the UNRWA turns a blind eye. He also pointed to the UN’s logistical issues as the reason for the closure of the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom border crossing this week.
Tensions have escalated following a sudden Hamas attack in southern Israel on 7 October, prompting Israel to impose a near-complete blockade on Gaza. This has resulted in a staggering 85% of the population being forced to flee, leaving many struggling to find food while living in makeshift shelters.
Both sides continue to suffer casualties, with over 21,100 Palestinians killed and 55,243 wounded in Gaza, and close to 3,000 Israeli service personnel injured during the war against Hamas. The number of Israeli soldiers wounded is approaching 900 since the ground offensive began and over 160 soldiers killed during the operation.
The high number of wounded has prompted Israeli authorities to prioritize assistance for the victims. Jonathan Ben Hamou, a young man who lost his leg in the conflict, spoke proudly of his sacrifice for his country. However, advocates for wounded soldiers, like Edan Kleiman, are deeply worried, fearing that the number of wounded may rise to nearly 20,000 when including those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The UN high commissioner for human rights also reported a rapid deterioration of human rights in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including mass arbitrary detentions, unlawful detainments, and cases of torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees. This has led to 300 Palestinians being killed in the West Bank since 7 October.
At the same time, Russia is working to free hostages from Gaza, with a small number of Russian citizens still in the region. The situation on the ground remains tense, with ongoing Israeli artillery shelling and reports of further casualties.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, and the need for immediate aid and an end to hostilities has never been more urgent. It is a distressing time for the people of Gaza and the region as a whole, and urgent international intervention is crucial to prevent further escalation of this tragic situation.
