New York: UN spokesman St©phane Dujarric revealed a significant reduction in the number of daily meals provided to civilians in the Gaza Strip, noting a 70% decrease this week compared to the previous week. This alarming development was shared during a press conference held at the UN headquarters.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Dujarric highlighted the critical need for UN teams to enter Gaza to assess and address the needs of its citizens. The daily meal provision has plummeted from 840,000 last week to just 260,000 meals, marking a substantial decline in available food aid.
Dujarric underscored that humanitarian assistance must extend beyond food, emphasizing the importance of providing direct services related to water, health, nutrition, education, and protection to the Palestinian population in Gaza. He further cautioned that fuel shortages are threatening the operation of health and water facilities, exacerbating the situation in the region, which has been under an Israeli blockade since March.
The UN spokesman expressed grave concerns about the healthcare system in Gaza, which is on the brink of collapse due to overwhelming numbers of wounded individuals and a severe lack of basic supplies, equipment, blood, and medical personnel.
The World Health Organization has also raised alarms, stating that the lack of immediate access to food and essential supplies in Gaza is leading to further deaths and a potential slide into famine. An analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification revealed that 470,000 people in Gaza are facing "catastrophic levels of hunger," with the entire population enduring acute food insecurity. Additionally, the report highlighted the urgent need for treatment for approximately 71,000 children and over 17,000 mothers suffering from acute malnutrition.
