The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate as Israeli airstrikes persist, targeting various areas including UNRWA schools and residential buildings. Within the past 48 hours, these attacks have claimed the lives of dozens and left hundreds injured. The Gaza Ministry of Health has confirmed the death toll has risen to at least 37,658 since the start of the Israeli aggression eight months ago. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has reported the deaths of 93 agency staff members and the destruction of over 180 of its institutions. Furthermore, the UN has warned that around half a million people in Gaza are suffering from ‘catastrophic’ food insecurity and has threatened to suspend aid operations across Gaza unless Israel takes urgent steps to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. In a tragic turn of events, Israeli Defense Forces launched an attack on the al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, killing at least 13 people, including 10 family members of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. The strikes targeted two schools and a residential building, intensifying the outcry against the high civilian casualty rate. The UN’s Middle East peace envoy, Tor Wenzel, has stressed the need for sustainable access to humanitarian aid and called for a halt to the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. As the international community calls for an immediate ceasefire, the dire situation for children in Gaza is highlighted, with UNRWA reporting that an average of 10 children lose limbs daily due to the war.
Key points
- Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed 93 UNRWA staff members and destroyed over 180 facilities.
- The death toll in Gaza has risen to at least 37,658, with significant food insecurity affecting half a million people.
- The UN threatens to suspend aid operations in Gaza if Israel does not improve the safety of humanitarian workers.
- Recent Israeli strikes targeted UNRWA schools and homes, including those of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s family, killing at least 24.
