UN: 'Our effort to save lives of survivors in Gaza at breaking point'

Winter rains in Gaza have deepened the struggles of vulnerable communities. Photo: WHO

Source: OCHA

Humanitarian efforts to address the overwhelming needs in Gaza - already under immense strain - face mounting obstacles.

For 15 months of unrelenting hostilities, people there have been forced to endure profound trauma and suffering, unprecedented displacement, starvation, and widespread destruction of schools, hospitals and other critical civilian infrastructure.
Aid is more urgent than ever, and requires safe and sustained access.

The latest update from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) states that:

-Child Protection partners are facing severe challenges in bringing needed winter clothing kits into Gaza; only 19,000 kits have been distributed out of 220,000 procured.

-At least 369 aid workers, including 263 UNRWA staff, have been killed since October 2023, according to data received by the UN and its partners.

-Zero fuel reserves to operate electricity generators at hospitals across Gaza are placing the lives of patients and newborns at grave risk. Palestinian telecommunication providers are now warning that their services may start to shut down tomorrow due to fuel shortages.

-The UN attempted to reach the besieged area in North Gaza 165 times between 6 October and 31 December 2024, of which 149 attempts were denied by the Israeli authorities and 16 faced impediments.

LINKS

United Nations Relief Chief Tom Fletcher's statement: https://bit.ly/409Wpnd

Humanitarian Situation Update #253 Gaza Strip:
www.unocha.org/publications/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/humanitarian-situation-update-253-gaza-strip