The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly dire, with concerns escalating over the rising number of deaths caused by bombing and starvation, UNRWA spokesperson Kazem Abu Khalaf stated.
Abu Khalaf expressed grave concerns about the worsening conditions, emphasizing that the crisis is not solely due to the bombing but is also significantly exacerbated by starvation.
“In Gaza, the humanitarian situation is catastrophic and continues to deteriorate each day. We fear a widespread increase in mortality rates, not just from bombings but from hunger as well,” Abu Khalaf remarked.
He highlighted the tragic toll of starvation and malnutrition in the region, stating, “27 individuals, including 25 children, have succumbed to starvation and poor nutrition. Out of 36 hospitals, only 12 are partially operational.”
Abu Khalaf also shed light on the alarming spread of diseases, some previously uncommon in the area, such as viral hepatitis.
The official noted the extensive damage to infrastructure, with schools and all medical facilities, except for hospitals, being destroyed, along with the sanitation systems.
The spokesperson pointed out the inadequacy of air-dropped aid in meeting the needs of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants. “The most effective way to deliver food to the people of Gaza is through land border crossings,” he explained.
However, he criticized Israel for not permitting the import of aid as required, accusing it of using humanitarian aid as a weapon. He argued that the symbolic significance of UNRWA is the reason behind Israel’s continuous attacks and persecution of the agency.
Abu Khalaf stressed the importance of international support for the agency‘s continued presence in Gaza, amidst a backdrop of escalating violence.
On Wednesday, an Israeli airstrike targeted a UNRWA aid distribution centre in Rafah, southern Gaza, resulting in the death of four Palestinians and injuring others.
