New York (Web Desk): The situation in Gaza remains dire as civilians face relentless danger amidst the ongoing conflict.
The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a grave warning, stating that over 80% of the Gaza Strip is now under Israeli evacuation orders.
These areas, some of which were previously considered safe, have been hit by heavy airstrikes, resulting in significant casualties.
Just recently, a strike on a tent in the Mawasi area, which was designated as a “safe zone,” tragically claimed the lives of five children and left others injured.
The relentless bombardment continues to threaten the lives of those who are already displaced and vulnerable.
Humanitarian efforts in the region are being severely hampered by the blockade and restrictions placed on aid access.
OCHA reports that nearly 40% of United Nations attempts to move aid workers into Gaza have been denied, while another 18% have been obstructed once inside.
In particular, North Gaza has been effectively cut off for nearly three months, with no access for aid agencies to provide assistance or assess the needs of the population.
The closure of critical border crossings has further exacerbated the crisis, leaving civilians without access to much-needed supplies.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in the West Bank has also worsened, following Israeli military operations in Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps in late December.
An assessment by OCHA, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and other partners revealed that over 1,000 homes and 100 businesses had been destroyed.
Essential services, including water and electricity, were disrupted, displacing dozens of families and causing immense suffering.
In response, humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources to provide clean water, distribute hygiene kits, and address urgent medical needs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent appeal regarding the medical crisis in Gaza, particularly the excruciatingly slow pace of patient evacuations.
Since October 2023, only 5,383 patients have been evacuated with WHO’s support, a number far below the estimated 12,000 individuals who require urgent medical care and evacuation.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that at the current rate, it could take as long as 10 years to evacuate those in critical condition, many of whom are children.
In the meantime, patients' conditions continue to deteriorate, with some tragically dying as they await evacuation.
The humanitarian community is working tirelessly, but the severe restrictions on movement, the ongoing violence, and the widespread damage to infrastructure are making it increasingly difficult to provide the aid and support that Gaza's population so desperately needs.
The international community is facing mounting pressure to act swiftly to prevent further loss of life and to address the escalating crisis.
