The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has raised alarms over the dire situation faced by nearly one million displaced Palestinians in Gaza, who are at risk of enduring severe winter weather, including cold and rain. In a statement released on Sunday, UNRWA revealed that despite the urgent need for protection, only about 23% of the required aid has been provided, leaving an alarming 945,000 people vulnerable to the elements.
The agency emphasized the need for immediate assistance to prevent further suffering, as displaced individuals in Gaza, particularly in areas like Deir al-Balah, continue to sift through the ruins of their homes, searching for remnants of their belongings. These efforts come in the wake of ongoing Israeli airstrikes, which have not only caused civilian casualties but also destroyed critical infrastructure and homes.
“With airstrikes still ongoing, the number of civilian casualties continues to rise, while homes and essential services are being obliterated,” UNRWA stated. The agency underscored the unbearable human cost of the conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.
The situation in Gaza has grown increasingly desperate since October 7, 2023, when Israeli airstrikes began, claiming over 44,700 lives, the majority of them women and children. The crisis has led to international condemnation, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.
