Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, has sounded the alarm on the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza, indicating that services are teetering on “the brink of collapse” in the absence of fuel supplies. Despite the entry of 569 relief trucks into the enclave, not one carried fuel.
Last week, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Martin Griffiths acknowledged a glimmer of progress in negotiations for allowing fuel into Gaza, which is under Israeli blockade, but details were not disclosed.
Echoing the severity of the situation, World Health Organization spokesperson Christian Lindmeier highlighted in the same briefing that more and more life-saving facilities are shutting down due to the fuel crisis. Moreover, Lindmeier reported the tragic loss of over 16 healthcare workers in Gaza who died in the line of duty. He made an urgent call for the lifting of restrictions on medical relief, revealing the dire conditions in which some doctors are performing surgeries, including limb amputations, without anesthesia.
Lindmeier emphasized the dedication of healthcare workers who continue to maintain a certain level of service against all odds, although he did not cite the source of his information. This crisis underscores the dire need for international intervention to alleviate the suffering in Gaza and ensure essential services can continue to operate.
According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, the death toll from continuous Israeli airstrikes since October 7th has exceeded 10,000 casualties. Since the outbreak of the conflict triggered by an attack by Hamas on October 7th, Israel has been continuously bombarding the Gaza Strip. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a growing humanitarian crisis. International efforts are ongoing to reach a ceasefire and provide much-needed assistance to the affected population. The high casualty count highlights the urgency of addressing the situation and finding a lasting solution to the conflict in the region.
