The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced on Saturday that there is almost nothing left to distribute in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the deteriorating water and sanitation situation in the region.
OCHA wrote on its account on the X platform: “There is almost nothing left to distribute in the Gaza Strip. The water and sanitation situation is rapidly deteriorating, and with the blockade on aid entry, people have no choice but to use debris and waste to meet their needs.”
This announcement comes as Israeli forces have been closing the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing, southeast of Rafah city, for nearly two weeks, preventing the entry of humanitarian and medical aid, in addition to closing the Rafah crossing. Settlers consistently obstruct aid trucks, plundering and destroying their contents to prevent them from reaching the Palestinians.
The conflict in Gaza has entered its 225th day, amid warnings of an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, with ongoing battles in several areas, especially in Jabalia in the north of the strip and east of Rafah in the south, under continuous heavy bombardment.
The Israeli military has maintained a blockade on Gaza, preventing the entry of essential humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and sanitation materials. This blockade has led to severe shortages and forced residents to rely on debris and waste for basic needs.
The ongoing conflict, which has lasted for over seven months, sees heavy fighting in northern and southern Gaza, particularly around Jabalia and Rafah. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by continuous Israeli airstrikes and military operations aimed at Hamas, leading to widespread destruction and civilian casualties. Efforts by international mediators, including the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, to broker a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful, and the United Nations has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow for the delivery of aid and the protection of civilians.
The blockade and conflict have resulted in a catastrophic situation for the residents of Gaza, with international bodies warning of a potential collapse of all essential services if the current conditions persist.
