Thousands of displaced people in Khan Younis, in the south of the Gaza Strip, are forced to wait in long lines for hours in the hope of getting food, although many return home empty-handed due to the extreme shortage of basic goods. The humanitarian situation in the region continues to deteriorate, leading the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to issue an urgent call for an immediate ceasefire.
Most residents of Gaza struggle to even meet their most basic needs, causing growing concern at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This entity has pointed out that many people fleeing from the northern part of the Strip seek refuge in the city of Gaza, where they live in exhausting conditions, crowded in tents or damaged buildings, with no access to electricity.
OCHA has described the situation as critical, emphasizing the urgent need for supplies and basic services. Limitations in humanitarian aid operations are hindering the assistance that can be provided. Tom Fletcher, head of UN emergency aid, has stated that delivering aid to Gaza has become nearly impossible due to attacks by Israeli forces and the denial of access to this besieged territory. Since October 6, more than 100 requests to bring vital aid to northern Gaza have been rejected.
To date, only two humanitarian missions have been able to enter the besieged areas of northern Gaza, both on December 20. One distributed food and water in Beit Hanoun, while the other, coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), managed to bring fuel and blood units to Kamal Adwan Hospital. During these missions, many residents expressed fear of even more violent attacks following the delivery of aid, a fear justified by previous incidents.
Furthermore, UN agencies have warned of the breakdown of public order and the systematic looting of supply shipments by local gangs. Despite security guarantees provided by Israeli authorities, on December 22 a convoy of the World Food Programme was attacked near their trucks, highlighting the fragility of the situation. Out of the 66 trucks meant to deliver food and other essential goods, only 43 managed to reach their destination, while 23 were stolen during the journey. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, echoing desperation among the affected population.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
