- Over 2 million people are caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas.
- 1,100 people have died in Gaza since October 7.
- Food supplies are running low and more than 2 lakh people are hiding in 92 UNRWA-run schools.
Over 2 million people are caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas as a result of Israel’s intensifying counterstrike against Hamas, leaving the Gaza Strip facing its greatest nightmare. 1,100 people, including 326 children and 171 women, have died in Gaza since October 7, according to a UNRWA situation assessment.
Over 5,000 more have been injured. Since October 7, twelve UN employees have passed away: three support staff members, one gynecologist, one engineer, one psychiatric counselor, five instructors at UNRWA schools, and one gynecologist.
Situation in Gaza
Additionally, the Israeli Defense Forces have completely besieged Gaza, cutting off its supplies of food, water, and electricity. The power outage has badly impacted healthcare facilities in the Strip and resulted in the displacement of almost 3 lakh people.
According to Fabrizio Carboni, regional director of the Red Cross for the Near and Middle East, hospitals run the risk of becoming morgues in the absence of energy, and Tel Aviv has no intention of restoring power until the Israeli abductees are brought back home.
Food supplies are running low and more than 2 lakh people are hiding in 92 UNRWA-run schools. Damaged infrastructure, a shortage of electricity for desalination facilities and pumps, and a restricted supply of water in the neighborhood market are all contributing factors to the impending water crisis.
Out of the 22 health centers managed by UNRWA, only eight are currently open for business, and the diesel needed to keep these facilities running is rapidly running out.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the immediate delivery of necessities into Gaza to facilitate quick and unhindered humanitarian access.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, issued a strong warning of a harsh response shortly after Hamas’ strike and urged Gazans to “leave now.” Gaza is a small landlocked region bordered by Egypt and Israel. It has two points of entry and departure: the Rafah Crossing, which connects Egypt and Israel to the south, and the Erez Crossing, which connects Israel to the north.
