Gaza Continues to Lack Safe Environment for Humanitarian Aid Distribution, Says UN
The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza was recently brought to the attention of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), sparking concerns over the well-being of the residents in the region.
During the UNSC meeting, UN Special Coordination Office for the Middle East (UNSCO) Humanitarian Coordinator Muhannad Hadi highlighted the alarming conditions in Gaza, stating that everyone in the area is at risk of injury and illness. He described how children in shelters cry all night long, women can only take a bath once every four months on average, and parents are struggling to protect their children from hunger and trauma, leading to suicidal tendencies.
Hadi emphasized the urgent need for protection for civil society in Gaza, as well as for humanitarian personnel, operations, and facilities to be safeguarded from brutal attacks. Despite the crisis persisting for 10 months, Hadi expressed concern that a safe environment for the distribution of humanitarian aid has yet to be established in Gaza, placing a heavy burden on organizations like UNRWA.
Furthermore, Hadi condemned the campaigns and attacks against UNRWA, noting that they jeopardize humanitarian aid operations. He stressed that the UN faces challenges in providing the necessary aid to the people of Gaza without the requisite conditions and urged all parties involved to prioritize the protection of humanitarian aid workers.
“The risks in Gaza are unacceptable,” Hadi stated, underscoring the long-term consequences of the humanitarian situation in the region. While acknowledging what needs to be done in Gaza, Hadi highlighted a gap between the actions taken and the required measures to address the crisis effectively.
In closing, Hadi reiterated the willingness of humanitarian workers to assist but highlighted the need for essential authorizations to carry out their vital work in Gaza. The pressing need for immediate action to alleviate the suffering and improve the conditions in Gaza was made abundantly clear during the UNSC discussion.
