The United Nations calls for urgent protection of civilians and healthcare facilities as violence in Gaza escalates, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Overnight, the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Younis was struck by Israeli forces, causing multiple deaths and injuries. A World Health Organization (WHO) team was inside the hospital during the attack. Early Wednesday, the hospital was hit again, resulting in more casualties.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) described Gaza’s health system as “decimated” and warned that such attacks only deepen the trauma for patients and medical staff. Since the conflict began in October 2023, OCHA has recorded at least 686 attacks affecting healthcare in Gaza.
Military operations and explosive hazards continue to threaten civilians and aid workers alike. OCHA emphasized the need to protect healthcare facilities and civilians at all times.
First responders in northern Gaza reported at least 80 deaths in the past day from Israeli strikes. Around 50 people died when homes were hit in northern Jabalia.
Meanwhile, Israel issued two new displacement orders for North Gaza after Palestinian rocket fire. Eight neighborhoods are affected, and many residents are fleeing in search of safety. Since March 18, more than 436,000 people have been displaced within Gaza.
OCHA stressed that whether people stay or leave, they must have access to essential supplies to survive.
The agency also demands an immediate end to the blockade of Gaza, which has been in place for over 70 days. No cargo, including humanitarian aid, has entered the region during this time.
The blockade has caused severe shortages and soaring prices. For example, in early May, a 25-kilogram bag of wheat flour cost over $415 in Gaza City—a rise of more than 3,000 percent since late February.
Food aid is also critically affected. Currently, around 250,000 meals are served daily through 65 community kitchens. This is a sharp drop from April 25, when 180 kitchens provided nearly 1.1 million meals each day.
Humanitarian partners have over 171,000 metric tonnes of food stockpiled and ready for delivery once the blockade ends. This supply could feed Gaza’s 2.1 million residents for up to four months.
The worsening humanitarian situation demands urgent international attention to protect lives and ensure aid reaches those in need.
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