New York (United Nations) – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Monday issued a stern warning about Israel’s continued obstruction of UN-led efforts to deliver life-saving aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
According to the UN Information Center, OCHA reiterated its call for Israel to enable the safe, rapid, and wide-scale delivery of humanitarian assistance across the Gaza Strip amid an ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.
Severe Restrictions on Humanitarian Operations
OCHA reported that of the 22 planned humanitarian missions organized by the UN, only seven were allowed by Israel:
- Six missions were outright rejected.
- Five were delayed or obstructed.
- Four were canceled due to logistical and security challenges.
This disruption has compounded the suffering of Gaza’s civilians, many of whom are already enduring displacement and severe shortages of basic necessities.
Forced Displacement and Civilian Impact
OCHA highlighted the impact of Israeli evacuation orders on civilians, noting that recent directives targeted the Al-Mufti neighborhood in Nuseirat, central Gaza. The orders have displaced an estimated 4,100 individuals, including families sheltering at two UNRWA-managed displacement sites. The affected area also includes:
- Three medical facilities.
- Two water distribution points.
- Two temporary learning spaces.
UN officials have emphasized the need to protect civilians whether they stay or leave, with assurances for voluntary and safe returns when conditions permit.
Alarming Humanitarian Needs
A recent OCHA survey of 2,500 households across Gaza revealed:
- Widespread shortages of food, water, and sanitation facilities.
- Over two-thirds of families surveyed reported being displaced at least once in the last 60 days.
Casualties and Destruction Since October 2023
The situation remains dire as Israeli forces continue their assaults by land, sea, and air. Since the escalation began on October 7, 2023:
- Over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed.
- More than 109,000 have been injured.
- Thousands remain trapped under rubble, with emergency teams unable to reach them due to ongoing hostilities.
The international community, led by the UN, is urging immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis and protect the lives and dignity of Gaza’s civilians.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
