Hostilities across Gaza are intensifying a humanitarian crisis as civilians seeking food at newly militarized aid sites face deadly gunfire, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned on Monday.
Deadly Strikes at Rafah and Deir al-Balah
OCHA partners report that on Sunday, at least 31 people were killed and dozens injured in Rafah when Israeli forces opened fire near a humanitarian distribution point. Many victims were waiting for supplies.
Healthcare Under Siege
In North Gaza, the Noura Al Kaabi Center for Dialysis was reportedly hit, contributing to a staggering 40% mortality rate among dialysis patients since October 2023, according to Gaza-based health authorities.
Waves of Displacement
Since the collapse of the March 18 ceasefire, over 640,000 people—nearly one-third of Gaza's population—have been forced to flee. Another 100,000 residents face new evacuation orders in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, disrupting lives and services.
Calls for Accountability and Access
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the shootings and demanded an independent investigation. He stressed that Israel must facilitate unhindered aid entry, uphold international humanitarian law, and allow UN workers to operate safely.
On-the-Ground Struggles
Humanitarian teams, grappling with shrinking supplies, managed to distribute nutritional supplements to 40,000 children last week. Yet, as food runs out, reports of desperate flour looting and criminal raids have surged, underscoring civilian suffering.
As Gaza edges closer to famine, the international community faces mounting pressure to secure safe corridors, hold perpetrators accountable, and restore hope for those risking their lives for a simple meal.
Reference(s):
UN says casualties mount in Gaza, including at aid distribution points
cgtn.com
