Ramallah – The head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) office in Palestine, Ajith Sanjay, called on the international community to urgently provide financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to assist Palestinians amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a press statement on Saturday, Sanjay warned that the situation in Gaza has reached a catastrophic level, with civilians struggling to meet their most basic humanitarian needs, including essential food, water, and medical supplies. The continued Israeli bombardment of the entire Gaza Strip has worsened the situation significantly, leaving residents in dire need of life-saving assistance.
Sanjay described the living conditions in Gaza as horrific, with 1.7 million people crammed into the southern enclave of Al-Mawasi, facing the spread of diseases and a shortage of hygiene supplies. He also revealed that Israeli forces are blocking OHCHR staff from reaching northern Gaza to deliver aid to trapped civilians.
Additionally, the UN official expressed concern over the detention of more than 10,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, citing blatant human rights violations. Detainees are reportedly subjected to mistreatment, beatings, and torture, while international human rights organizations, including the Red Cross, are being denied access to these facilities. Sanjay emphasized the urgent need for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to gain access to prisoners to monitor their conditions.
Sanjay also urged the international community to intensify pressure on Israel to achieve an immediate ceasefire, which would end the suffering of Palestinians and help restore security and stability in the region.
Since the Israeli assault on Gaza began on October 7, 2023, the ongoing offensive has resulted in the death of over 42,000 Palestinians and injuries to more than 99,000 others, most of whom are children and women. Thousands remain buried under the rubble, awaiting rescue as bombardment continues by land, sea, and air.
For the latest developments and detailed coverage on Gaza, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: nor-eleslam
UNRWA, Gaza Crisis, Israeli Aggression, International Community, Humanitarian Aid
