Impact of Conflict and Aid Blockade on Gaza Civilians: UN
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Synopsis
On April 11, the UN reported that Israeli attacks in Gaza are severely affecting civilians who are already struggling with food shortages and looting caused by the aid blockade. Reports indicate many casualties and a dire need for humanitarian assistance.
Key Takeaways
- UN reports severe civilian toll in Gaza.
- Israeli strikes causing high casualties among Palestinians.
- Over 1,500 dead since hostilities intensified.
- Critical supplies and access to aid are urgently needed.
- WHO supports medical evacuations; many still await treatment.
United Nations, April 11 (NationPress) - The ongoing Israeli assaults in Gaza are inflicting a devastating impact on civilians, who are already grappling with severe food shortages and looting amid the aid blockade, according to humanitarian officials from the UN.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Thursday that there have been continuous accounts of Israeli strikes resulting in numerous casualties among Palestinian civilians, as noted by the Xinhua news agency.
“Just yesterday (Wednesday) in Gaza City, there were reports of dozens of fatalities, including at least eight children, after an Israeli airstrike targeted a residential building,” OCHA stated. “Many individuals remain unaccounted for beneath the debris.”
The Ministry of Health in Gaza indicated that over 1,500 individuals have reportedly lost their lives, with a significant number being women and children, since the escalation of conflict began less than a month ago.
OCHA emphasized that the ongoing violence and the persistent blockade on cargo entering Gaza for nearly six weeks have severely restricted access to essential humanitarian aid.
“As supplies within the Strip approach depletion and conditions worsen, incidents of looting have surged in recent days,” OCHA noted. Earlier this week, multiple looting incidents were recorded in Rafah, Deir al Balah, and Al Zawaida.
OCHA reiterated the critical need to reopen border crossings to facilitate the entry of vital supplies.
Currently, more than 60,000 children are reportedly facing malnutrition at a time when community kitchens are quickly running out of fuel and resources.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported success in supporting some medical evacuations from Gaza. On Wednesday, 18 patients, along with nearly 30 companions, were permitted to depart for specialized treatment abroad.
Nevertheless, approximately 12,500 patients in Gaza still require medical evacuation outside the territory, prompting the WHO to advocate for evacuations through all accessible border crossings and pathways.
Throughout Gaza, OCHA indicated that partners are alerting to severe water shortages in shelters hosting displaced individuals. The absence of clean water, lack of hygiene products, and cohabitation with livestock pose significant public health risks. In March, over a third of households in Gaza reported lice infestations.
