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The UN humanitarian chief urgently appealed for an end to the devastating situation in Gaza, which has faced relentless bombings by Israel following the October 7 attack by Hamas. "Each day brings new horrors to Gaza, with hospitals under fire, vulnerable populations suffering, and even newborns losing their lives.
This cannot persist," stated Martin Griffiths in a heartfelt plea. The UN Palestine Refugee Agency (UNRWA) declared that their humanitarian efforts are on the verge of collapse, leading to severe shortages of essentials like drinking water and fuel for civilians.
Wednesday marked the first arrival of fuel from Egypt to Gaza since October 7, as confirmed by the UN agency. However, the quantity received is deemed insufficient to sustain critical humanitarian operations. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, stressed that the current fuel supply for trucks alone won't avert a looming crisis.
"Merely supplying fuel for trucks won't save lives," he expressed, emphasizing that around 70% of Gaza's population will remain without access to drinking water by day's end.
UN plans
The UN has been actively seeking fuel to power Gaza's water treatment plants, as well as hospitals.
However, their efforts have been hindered as Israel is reluctant, fearing that the fuel might be utilized for Hamas' military activities. In the ongoing conflict, Israel's airstrikes aimed at "destroying" Hamas have resulted in the deaths of 11,320 people in Gaza, primarily civilians, including 4,650 children, according to Hamas' health ministry.
Israel reports that approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the October 7 attack by Hamas. The situation in Gaza is spiraling, and people are living in constant fear, unsure of what each day might bring.
The tension is sky-high, and panic is spreading fast among the residents. Palestinians are bravely trying to defend themselves, but it feels like a battle with little success. The sense of uncertainty and danger is overwhelming.
Amid this chaos, the Palestinian community is struggling to find a foothold. Their resilience is being tested by relentless attacks and bombings, leaving them feeling powerless.