UN agencies have raised serious concerns over the escalating situation in Gaza, where attacks on healthcare facilities and obstacles to humanitarian aid are severely impacting the lives of residents.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that essential means of survival are being dismantled. Following an Israeli raid on the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, the hospital ceased operations, and its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, was detained. His current whereabouts are unknown.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that patients in critical condition were transferred to the Indonesian Hospital, which is not fully functional. He called for Dr. Safiya's immediate release and urged for the protection of health care services.
\"Hospitals have become battlegrounds, and the health system is under severe threat,\" Dr. Tedros stated. He reported damage to Al-Ahli and Al-Wafa Hospitals in Gaza City and emphasized the need to stop attacks on medical facilities and ensure access to health care.
The OCHA, along with the WHO, World Food Program (WFP), Palestine Red Crescent Society, and other partners, managed to deliver essential supplies to affected areas despite significant challenges. Most mission attempts since October have been denied or faced heavy impediments.
Humanitarian access across the Gaza Strip remains systematically hindered. Aid workers face dangers including armed looting of relief convoys, and restrictions on imports continue to paralyze humanitarian operations.
With families urgently needing food, shelter materials, and clothing to survive the winter weather, UN agencies are calling for safe and unhindered access for aid workers to assist those in need.
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UN agencies say Israeli attacks in Gaza dismantle means of survival
cgtn.com
