UN Humanitarians Urge for the End of Gaza Aid Blockade
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Synopsis
Amid ongoing displacements and civilian casualties in Gaza, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has called for an end to the aid blockade, urging for access to dwindling food supplies and essential services for the affected population.
Key Takeaways
- UN humanitarians appeal for lifting of Gaza aid blockade.
- Critical food supplies are running low.
- Ongoing hostilities hinder humanitarian operations.
- Displaced families face dire living conditions.
- Immediate reopening of crossings is urged.
United Nations, April 9 (NationPress) As displacements and civilian fatalities persist in Gaza, UN humanitarians have made an urgent appeal for the cessation of the aid blockade and for access to the dwindling food supplies available.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that there has been an increase in civilian deaths and injuries, alongside significant damage to critical infrastructure, according to Xinhua news agency.
OCHA emphasized that all crossings are currently closed to the entry of vital aid and supplies necessary for the survival of the population. "Since March 2, no aid or commercial goods have been permitted to enter Gaza, marking the longest closure since October 2023," OCHA stated.
According to OCHA, humanitarian partners have issued warnings that the nutrition situation is deteriorating daily due to the exhaustion of available stocks.
The agency noted that despite ongoing malnutrition screenings throughout Gaza, the operations are being significantly hindered by supply shortages and movement restrictions.
In March, OCHA reported that its partners managed to screen only about 50,000 children for malnutrition, which is a decline of over one-third compared to the previous month.
"Partners are facing challenges in accessing the remaining stocks of ready-to-use complementary food, which are located in hard-to-reach areas of the North Gaza governorate due to ongoing conflict and displacement orders," OCHA indicated. "In March, the distribution of these supplies was only half of what was distributed in February."
Furthermore, new Israeli displacement orders affecting five neighborhoods in Gaza, including Khan Younis and northern Rafah, have compelled additional families to seek refuge in Mawasi and regions west of Gaza City.
"Shelters for the displaced are overwhelmed: Hygiene and sanitation conditions are deteriorating, with water shortages reported and infestations of fleas and insects becoming prevalent," the office warned.
OCHA cautioned that the displacement orders leave civilians vulnerable to hostilities and hinder their access to essential services for survival, urging for the immediate reopening of crossings to allow urgently needed cargo and humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.
