The United Nations has sounded the alarm over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as basic necessities vanish from markets and thousands face starvation.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric briefed reporters on Thursday, declaring the situation in southern Gaza “desperate.” He said,
“Children are going hungry, patients remain untreated, and people are dying. It is time to lift those restrictions immediately.”
Food Prices Soar as Supplies Collapse
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), food prices have skyrocketed by up to 1,400% compared to pre-ceasefire levels. Dairy, eggs, fruit, and meat are no longer available in local markets.
In April alone, prices increased 50% over March, deepening hunger across the population. Limited cash flow and plunging purchasing power have pushed thousands of families into extreme poverty.
Read: UN Demands Accountability After Israel Admits Strike That Killed UN Staff in Gaza
Electricity Cuts Cripple Water Access
UN Acting Humanitarian Coordinator Suzanna Tkalec visited Deir al Balah and Khan Younis on Wednesday to assess the situation on the ground. She found that the main desalination plant in Khan Younis, which supplies clean water to the southern Gaza region, is operating at only 15% capacity due to Israeli-imposed power cuts.
“Clean water is extremely limited. Overcrowded shelters are adding to the crisis,” said a UN official present during the visit.
The team also evaluated conditions in overcrowded displacement sites and observed operations at a community kitchen in Deir al Balah, run by the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children, which provides meals and training for women, youth, and people with disabilities.
Shelter Materials Running Out
Mr. Dujarric highlighted critical shortages of shelter materials, including tents and tarpaulins, saying:
“Warehouses are almost depleted, which is limiting shelter assistance to just a fraction of what is needed to survive.”
Despite the dire conditions, UN agencies continue their operations. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) delivered 10 reproductive health kits, enough for 6,900 people, to six partner organizations this week. They also distributed dignity kits to over 900 women and girls, while holding 240 sessions to address gender-based violence.
UN Demands Accountability for Staff Deaths
On the deadly March 19 Israeli strike that killed one UN staffer and injured five others, Dujarric confirmed that Israeli authorities had shared the findings of their internal investigation.
“There has been more cooperation and transparency from Israel than in previous cases,” he said. “But that is not enough. We demand full accountability.”
The UN reiterated its call for protection of civilians and humanitarian staff, in line with international humanitarian law.
The UN has once again called on all parties to lift restrictions, allow humanitarian aid, and respect international law. With Gaza’s infrastructure crumbling and civilians suffering, time is running out to avert a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe.
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