Geneva: The United Nations agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) warned on Tuesday that the already limited aid reaching the war-torn Gaza Strip has further diminished. Briefing reporters from central Gaza via video link, UNRWA senior emergency officer Louise Wateridge stated that the current level of aid entering the Gaza Strip is the lowest it has been in months.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Wateridge emphasized that the volume of aid currently reaching the war-torn enclave is only about six per cent of the commercial and humanitarian supplies that were allowed in before the conflict. In October, an average of just 37 trucks per day arrived for the entire population of 2.2 million people.
Wateridge highlighted the dire conditions in the besieged northern Strip, describing it as a place where dead bodies lie in the streets and hospitals run out of critical supplies like blood packs. She expressed grave concern over the looming famine, noting that as winter approaches, the disp
laced population is forced to sleep on the floors of makeshift shelters amidst unsanitary conditions.
The UNRWA official pointed out that 80 per cent of the population did not receive their food rations in October. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Wateridge observed that hope is waning among the people. Despite a deadline set by the United States for Israel to improve aid access, she reported that the situation has only worsened, with aid supplies diminishing further.
UNRWA continues to be denied access to northern Gaza, where the population is in desperate need of basic necessities. Wateridge reported that missions to deliver chlorine tablets and assess shelter facilities have been denied. She also shared distressing accounts from UN colleagues and hospital doctors about the critical shortage of medical supplies and the dire state of health services.
Wateridge reiterated UNRWA’s urgent call for access to the besieged areas and for an immediate ceasefire. She stressed the need for a cessation of hostili
ties, the release and return of hostages, and relief for civilians in the Gaza Strip and the surrounding region.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, at least 43,665 Palestinians have been killed, and over 103,076 have been injured. The majority of casualties are reported to be women and children. Additionally, at least 10,000 people remain unaccounted for, feared to be trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes.
The Israeli Parliament recently voted to ban UNRWA from operating in the country and to prohibit officials from engaging with the agency. These laws are scheduled to take effect 90 days from their adoption.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the international community calling for urgent humanitarian intervention and a halt to the ongoing conflict.
