The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has reported an escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. The United Nations (UN) reported on Saturday that tens of thousands of Palestinians are flocking into Rafah, facing severe overcrowding and a dire need for shelters.
Gaza Strip
The death of another UNRWA colleague has been confirmed, bringing the total to 133 since October 7. Over 85% of Gaza’s population, approximately 1.9 million people, have been displaced, facing multiple relocations for safety. Israeli Authorities ordered the evacuation of four UNRWA shelters in Khan Younis on December 6. As of December 6, nearly 1.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are sheltering in 151 UNRWA installations across Gaza. The Ministry of Health reports 16,248 Palestinians killed in Gaza, with about 70% being women and children, since October 7.
West Bank, including East Jerusalem
One Palestinian was killed and three were injured during an Israeli Security Forces (ISF) operation in Far’a refugee camp. Clashes in Dheisheh refugee camp resulted in three Palestinians, including a child, being injured, and three others detained. An exchange of fire in Balata refugee camp left four Palestinians injured, with one later succumbing to injuries. Since October 7, 253 Palestinians, including 66 children, have been killed by ISF in the West Bank.
Overall Situation
The overall situation shows that humanitarian access in Gaza has been compromised with reported incidents impacting UNRWA schools and shelters. There have been 129 incidents reported impacting UNRWA premises, with 34 installations directly hit. UNRWA estimates that at least 276 IDPs sheltering in UNRWA shelters have been killed, with 974 injured since the start of the conflict.
UNRWA Response in Gaza
In response to the crisis, UNRWA has been providing health services, including psychosocial support, to IDPs. Food distribution, water, sanitation, and hygiene operations are ongoing. There are currently 1.2 million displaced people in 151 UNRWA installations. The average number of IDPs in shelters is 10,500, over four times their capacity.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed his concern, stating, “We are reaching a point of no return in Gaza, where the blatant disregard for international humanitarian law scars our collective conscience. States must find the political will to end this tragedy.”
The escalating crisis raises concerns for the well-being of civilians in the region, demanding urgent international attention and intervention.
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