Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: UNRWA and WFP Warehouses Targeted, Dwindling Basic Services, and the Urgent Need for International Support and Empathy

Gaza, in the center of the Middle East, is experiencing an unparalleled humanitarian crisis as you read this article. The people of Gaza are in desperate need of compassion and assistance from the international community because of the catastrophic conditions that have been made worse by a 24-hour communication blackout and ongoing access issues.

The Humanitarian Response: UNRWA and WFP

Following this crisis, disturbing instances have been recorded by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). Among these occurrences are the storming of supply warehouses, especially those holding goods meant for displaced families. Do not take this as “breaking in” or “stealing” as these people have been deprived of basic human necessities and are all frustrated and starving.

Raids on Warehouses: Deir al-Balah and Food Supplies

Among these warehouses is one at Deir al-Balah, which is vital for storing supplies that UNRWA receives from humanitarian convoys that arrive from Egypt. A similar event involving a warehouse holding eighty tons of mixed food commodities—such as wheat flour, sunflower oil, and canned food—that were meant to be distributed to the underprivileged was also recorded by the WFP.

Taken Critical Supplies: An Indicator of Worsening Civil Order in Gaza

Critical supplies, including wheat, bread, and hygiene products, have been taken from four UN-run institutions located throughout the densely populated Gaza Strip as a result of these issues. This is a blatant sign that the region’s civil order is starting to break down following three weeks of horrific battle and an unrelenting siege.

The Consequences: Deteriorating Basic Services

There are grave repercussions from this catastrophe. Gaza’s basic services have drastically declined as a result of Israel’s three-week-long near-total siege. Residents are currently struggling with acute shortages of food, water, and medication, and the streets are overflowing with sewage. The two million people living in Gaza are fighting for their basic existence and are at risk of illness breakouts as the situation keeps worsening.

Isolation and Overcrowding: The Human Toll

Communication problems have isolated the residents of Gaza from their family and the outside world during this difficult period. Hundreds of relatives are staying with families as they try to escape the continuous conflict. The enormous demand on communities puts further strain on public services that are already in disrepair.

An urgent need for international assistance

Even with the severe shortage, Gaza still receives minimal humanitarian aid—just over 80 trucks of supplies arrive there each week. Gaza’s citizens are in need of our compassion, aid, and prompt action to make their situation better.

Suggested Action: Preserving International Law

In order to bring a quick halt to the fighting and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, the international community need to show its solidarity with the people of Gaza. It is crucial to recognize that the rights of civilians in Gaza are protected by international law, and when those rights are curtailed, it gives rise to criminal responsibility.

Conclusion: Time for Empathy and Support

There should be no obstacles in the way of providing humanitarian aid supplies to innocent civilians, as stressed by Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. The people of Gaza are facing a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate attention and action from us, so now is the time to show compassion and solidarity.

Article by Debanjana Talukdar

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