Inas Hamdan, the Media Office Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza, described the humanitarian situation in the region as disastrous and tragic, noting that more than 70% of the casualties are women and children.
In an interview with Al-Ittihad, Hamdan revealed that Gaza‘s infrastructure is destroyed, water is contaminated, and a quarter of water wells in Gaza have been destroyed. Additionally, 90% of the population is facing high levels of food insecurity, with a quarter on the brink of a real famine.
Hamdan emphasized that there are over 1.7 million displaced persons in central and southern areas living in tents and lacking basic necessities.
In Rafah alone, nearly 1.5 million displaced persons are enduring dire conditions amid severe food shortages and price hikes. For these displaced individuals, life has become akin to a piece of hell, especially amidst talks of a potential military escalation in Rafah.
Regarding the humanitarian consequences of ongoing military operations, especially on children and women, Hamdan stated that the conditions are tragic, and no description can fully convey the suffering of the displaced.
The UN spokesperson mentioned that many children have suffered amputations, and others are afflicted with serious illnesses due to shortages of medication and limited access to medical services. Additionally, an average of 63 women are killed daily, leaving behind families and orphaned children.
Moreover, 700,000 women and girls are enduring catastrophic conditions. Approximately 23 children die due to malnutrition and drought in northern Gaza, making the region perilous for children and women.
Regarding the role of aerial and maritime aid in meeting the needs of Gaza’s population, Hamdan welcomed any effort to alleviate the suffering of the residents.
However, she emphasized that there are easier, faster, and more effective ways to ensure aid reaches those in dire need, primarily through land corridors and crossings. While aerial and maritime aid is beneficial, it cannot replace the optimal method of delivering aid via land routes.
Regarding the importance of a ceasefire, Inas Hamdan reiterated UNRWA’s call for an immediate cessation of hostilities for humanitarian reasons.
