Recent Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have reportedly resulted in numerous casualties, with one attack occurring very close to the United Nations (UN) operations base, UN aid workers said on Tuesday.
UNITED NATIONS, July 16 (Xinhua) — The latest Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip have reportedly resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries. One attack occurred within close proximity to the United Nations (UN) operations base, UN aid workers said on Tuesday.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), one of the multiple strikes that hit Gaza occurred just a few hundred meters from the UN Joint Humanitarian Operations Centre.
OCHA stated that UN agencies and non-governmental organizations were utilizing the base in Deir el-Balah to coordinate their work across the coastal enclave.
Regarding displacement, humanitarian organizations reported that families continued to relocate from Gaza City to Deir el-Balah, with over 1,000 people observed moving in the past week.
The office added that these individuals primarily travel by donkey cart, but also utilize cars, motorized tricycles, or even travel on foot, carrying only a few belongings. Having been displaced multiple times, they lack the financial resources for another move.
“These individuals are among the most vulnerable, and our teams have been deployed daily along their travel routes to provide essential life-saving aid, such as water, hot meals, food parcels, and health and nutrition support,” OCHA added.■
People among the rubble following an Israeli airstrike on Nusseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, July 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Marwan Dawood)
The latest Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip have reportedly left dozens dead and wounded, with one attack taking place a very short distance from the United Nations (UN) operations base, UN aid workers said on Tuesday.
UNITED NATIONS, July 16 (Xinhua) — The latest Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip have reportedly left dozens dead and injured, with one attack occurring within a very short distance of the United Nations (UN) operations base, UN aid workers said Tuesday.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), one of the multiple strikes that hit Gaza occurred just a few hundred meters from the UN Joint Humanitarian Operations Centre.
OCHA said UN agencies and non-governmental organisations were using the base in Deir el-Balah to coordinate their work across the coastal enclave.
Regarding displacement, humanitarians said families continued to move from Gaza City to Deir el-Balah, with more than 1,000 people observed in the past week.
The office added that these people travel mainly on donkey carts, but also use cars, motorized tricycles or still travel on foot, carrying only a few belongings. They have been displaced several times and do not have the financial means for another move.
“These people are among the most vulnerable, and our teams have been deployed daily along their travel routes to provide basic life-saving assistance, such as water, hot meals, food parcels and health and nutrition support,” OCHA added.■
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: An Urgent Call for Action
The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to have devastating consequences for the civilian population, with the latest Israeli airstrikes adding to the already dire situation. These attacks have resulted in significant loss of life, widespread injury, and displacement. The close proximity of one attack to the UN Joint Humanitarian Operations Center highlights the precarious circumstances for humanitarian aid workers and the vulnerable population they serve.
A Devastating Toll on Civilians
The latest wave of violence in Gaza has caused significant casualties, with dozens reported dead and wounded. This surge in violence adds to the already significant human cost of the conflict, with years of Israeli-imposed blockade and intermittent military actions taking a heavy toll on the civilian population.
The Israeli government justifies these actions as necessary to combat terrorism and protect its citizens from attacks by Palestinian militant groups. However, the impact of such measures on the civilian population in Gaza is undeniable, with widespread destruction, limited access to basic necessities, and significant psychological trauma for individuals and families.
The Impact on Displaced Families
The recent attacks have forced families to flee their homes in search of safety, exacerbating the displacement crisis that has plagued the region. Many families have been forced to move multiple times, often with limited resources and belongings, increasing their vulnerability and desperation.
The displacement of thousands of individuals places significant strain on the already overcrowded and stressed humanitarian services. Aid workers are facing challenges in providing essential services such as food, water, shelter, and medical assistance. The lack of resources and the complexities of providing aid in a conflict zone often leave these organizations struggling to meet the ever-growing needs.
The Importance of International Intervention
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza calls for immediate international intervention. The international community must work collectively to bring regarding a ceasefire, ensure adequate humanitarian access to the affected population, and address the underlying causes of the conflict.
This includes:
- Calls for a Ceasefire: The international community must advocate for a lasting ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties and allow humanitarian relief efforts to effectively reach those in need.
- Humanitarian Access: Unhindered access for humanitarian aid is crucial to provide the necessary support to the affected population. This includes ensuring safe passage for relief workers, medical personnel, and supplies.
- Addressing the Root Causes: A long-term solution to the ongoing conflict requires addressing the underlying issues contributing to the violence. This includes tackling the Israeli blockade, addressing the Palestinian grievances, and promoting dialogue and reconciliation.
The current situation in Gaza underscores the urgency of a comprehensive and just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While immediate action is needed to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, a long-term solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict is necessary to bring lasting peace and stability to the region.