The humanitarian system in Gaza is facing collapse if Unrwa, the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, is banned from operating in Israel, warned Unicef spokesperson James Elder. Other UN agencies have expressed concerns that they cannot fill the void left by Unrwa and that the situation in Gaza, already dire due to ongoing assaults, will worsen. The banning of Unrwa has been described as a form of collective punishment against Palestinians, leading to devastating consequences for the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The recent Israeli offensive in northern Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 700 people, with many civilians among the casualties. The situation in Gaza is critical, with reports of imminent famine and severe food insecurity. The World Food Programme has highlighted the challenges in delivering aid to Gaza due to restrictions and obstacles imposed by Israel.
Amidst escalating tensions, Hezbollah has appointed Naim Qassem as its new leader, following the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike. The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, Unifil, has warned Hezbollah against attacks on their headquarters, stating that it would be a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
The UK and other countries have condemned Israel’s decision to ban Unrwa, with concerns about the impact on the humanitarian response in Gaza. Calls for action to support Palestinians and ensure access to essential services have been made by various organizations and leaders. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with urgent actions needed to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.
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