In the midst of the devastating destruction unfolding in Gaza, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) spokesperson, Adnan Abu Hasna, has raised alarming concerns. He predicts that within the coming hours, approximately 700,000 people could be forced to flee their homes due to the immense destruction witnessed in Gaza.
Abu Hasna highlighted the extraordinary scale of destruction and suffering in Gaza, emphasizing that UNRWA is doing its utmost to provide shelter for the 672,000 displaced individuals in 149 UNRWA-managed centers. He noted that all plans were initially designed to accommodate only 150,000 displaced people, but the level of destruction witnessed is unprecedented. The casualties, both in terms of deaths and injuries, have reached unprecedented levels as well.
The UNRWA spokesperson pointed out that Gaza is grappling with widespread infrastructure damage, water crises, healthcare challenges, and a severe shortage of food supplies. Long queues outside bakeries can stretch for kilometers, highlighting the desperate need for essential goods.
Abu Hasna stressed that even if there were sufficient financial resources to purchase goods from the market, UNRWA would not be able to meet the real needs of the displaced population, both within and outside schools. He acknowledged that UNRWA’s efforts are modest compared to the actual requirements of Gaza’s residents, especially those who have sought refuge in our schools, numbering in the hundreds of thousands.
Abu Hasna emphasized the difficulties faced in reaching areas of intense conflict, where there are hundreds of casualties and extensive destruction. Access to these areas remains a critical challenge.
The crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels of destruction and displacement, with hundreds of thousands of people at risk. UNRWA is working tirelessly to provide shelter and support to the affected population, but the scale of the crisis demands international attention and assistance. The immediate humanitarian needs of Gaza’s residents, especially those seeking refuge in UNRWA facilities, are immense, and urgent action is required to alleviate their suffering.
