The United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Jimmy McGoldrick, has emphasized the impossibility of protecting civilians in the event of ground attacks on Rafah. The region is facing unprecedented population density, leading to significant challenges in safeguarding residents. Overcrowding in Rafah has reached a critical point, with roads congested due to the proliferation of tents set up by families searching for available clean sites.
The UN Media Center reported on Sunday that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted the scarcity of essential resources such as food, clean water, health services, and sanitation facilities in Rafah. The dire situation has resulted in the spread of preventable diseases, exacerbated by the presence of tons of garbage and waste in the city located in the south of the Gaza Strip.
McGoldrick stressed the urgent need for the delivery of fuel, generators, and spare parts to enhance water provision. The water desalination plant in southern Gaza is currently operating at only 15% of its original capacity.
UN humanitarian partners estimate that around 100,000 families in Gaza require shelter support, including winter-weather tents and other supplies. Since October 7, approximately 40,000 tents have been distributed, primarily in Rafah, Khan Yunis, and central areas of the Strip. An additional 28,000 tents are scheduled for distribution to address the pressing humanitarian needs in the region.
