The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced on Friday that an estimated $1.2 billion is urgently needed to meet the humanitarian demands in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
According to a Reuters report, these funds are necessary to assist approximately 2.7 million individuals, encompassing the total population of Gaza and an additional 500,000 people in the West Bank.
This announcement comes in the wake of a deteriorating situation, with OCHA making a preliminary appeal on October 12 for $294 million to support nearly 1.3 million people. Since that appeal, the office has noted an increasing decline in conditions.
For the past 28 days, the Israeli military has been engaged in a devastating conflict in Gaza. According to official Palestinian sources, the confrontation has resulted in the death of 9,061 Palestinians, including 3,760 children, and has injured another 32,000. In the West Bank, there have been 143 Palestinian fatalities and approximately 1,900 arrests.
On the other side of the conflict, according to official Israeli sources, Hamas has killed more than 1,538 Israelis and inflicted injuries on 5,431 others. Hamas also reportedly holds at least 242 Israelis captive, seeking to exchange them for over 6,000 Palestinian prisoners, including children and women, who are currently in Israeli jails.
The escalating humanitarian crisis highlights the urgent need for international intervention and financial aid to provide medical care, shelter, and basic necessities to the affected populations. The UN’s call for funding reflects the growing concerns over the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict.
As the international community grapples with the complexities of providing aid, the UN’s report underscores the immense financial resources required to address the crisis. The humanitarian efforts aim not only to relieve immediate suffering but also to support the long-term recovery and stability of the region.
