UNRWA warns of growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid continued Israeli bombings

By richardbrown // 2023-12-19

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The Israel-Hamas conflict continues to escalate, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has expressed deep concern, stating that an increasing number of people in the bombarded and besieged Gaza Strip "haven't eaten for one, two, or three days." Since Hamas initiated attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, the death toll in Gaza has risen to 18,787 Palestinians, while in Israel, the revised death toll stands at 1,147. UNRWA reports a growing hunger crisis in Gaza as the bombings persist and the conflict rages on. Israel's defense minister has indicated that this war could last for months, emphasizing the nation's commitment to continuing until the Hamas terrorist group is eradicated. In pursuit of this goal, Israel has forcefully displaced around 85 percent of Gaza's 2.2 to 2.3 million residents, pushing them southward as Israeli forces target Hamas's military infrastructure. The displaced population is now living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in Rafah, near the border with Egypt. (Related: Israel refusing to allow HUMANITARIAN AID to reach the 2 million civilians trapped in Gaza) As the conflict persists, more proxy groups and allies are likely to emerge in support of either side. Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon have already been involved, while the United States has aligned itself with Israel, drawing criticism for what some describe as a humanitarian crisis and genocide in Gaza. Jordan has issued a warning, stating that Israel cannot be allowed to "win" the war in Gaza. The prolonged nature of the conflict raises concerns about the continuation of external support for both sides. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has provided military assistance to Israel, with a senior Biden administration official stating that there is an expectation that the aid will be used following the law of armed conflict. However, as accusations of unnecessary suffering inflicted on Palestinians mount, the Biden administration's hands-off approach may face increased scrutiny.

Over 130 UNRWA staff killed by the IDF

Meanwhile, in a distressing letter to the U.N. General Assembly, UNRWA President Philippe Lazzarini highlighted the severe limitations on the agency's ability to carry out its mandate to provide for refugees in Gaza. He warned that the main platform for humanitarian assistance to over 2.2 million people in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of 130 UNRWA staff members, and the situation is becoming increasingly dire. Lazzarini described the challenging conditions faced by UNRWA staff who are still operating health centers, managing shelters, and supporting traumatized people. However, many of them are displaced themselves, lacking necessities such as food, water and shelter. This unprecedented situation prompted Lazzarini to express his deep concerns, stating that, in his 35 years of working in complex emergencies, he has never written such a letter, predicting the potential collapse of the mandate he is expected to fulfill. The plea from Lazzarini underscores the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to protect civilians, UN staff and essential infrastructure. The General Assembly's intervention is crucial to safeguard the lives of those in Gaza and to maintain prospects for a political solution that is vital for peace, security and the rights of Palestinians, Israelis and the entire region. As the crisis in Gaza deepens, health agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), are sounding alarms about the deteriorating conditions. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier reported that the situation in Gaza is beyond belief. Health workers are struggling without access to sufficient food or water, patients are enduring critical conditions on hospital floors, and trauma wards resemble war zones. Watch this Al Jazeera report describing how Israeli forces blew up the UNRWA-run school-turned-refugee camp at Beit Hanoun. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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Over 130 UNRWA staff killed by the IDF

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