Speaking to reporters via video link on Thursday, high-level OCHA officials emphasized the grim reality to be faced More than 2 million people are trapped in Gazawhere basic needs such as food, shelter and safety become scarce.
“Starving and suffering” is an increasingly likely outcome for children, mothers, aid workers and teachers, he said.
“We are there to support [the people] who for more than 14 months have been struggling to survive,” Mr. Petropoulos explained. “But we are not allowed to do our work,” he emphasized.
Humanitarian activities are under siege
OCHA has been working to provide food, health care and safe drinking water to Gaza’s besieged population, but fuel shortages and blocked access routes have made the crisis worse. more serious.
When we raised this issue with the Israeli authorities, they rejected virtually every practical solution we offered.
Furthermore, these efforts have been countered by what Mr. Petropoulos calls a “blanket ban” from Israeli authorities.
“When we raised this issue with the Israeli authorities, they rejected virtually every practical solution we offered.,” Mr. Petropoulos said, adding that “the aid system has been weaponized.”
He further revealed that providing aid often becomes a race against time, with insufficient supplies to meet the growing needs of the people.
“As an aid worker in Gaza, you are forced to make terrible decisions,” he described. “Should I let people die of hunger or cold? Should we bring more food to reduce hunger or bring more plastic sheeting to shelter from the rain at night?”, he illustrated.
Northern Gaza: Mass Displacement and Destruction
North Gaza, was almost completely surrounded for 75 days, has become the site of increased military activities.
Mr. Petropoulos described grisly reports of mass casualties, the destruction of entire communities and forced displacement due to bombardment.
“The Israeli corridor that bisects the strip of land has been fortified to the point that it is no longer really a corridor,” he said. 150 requests for humanitarian access have been denied since October.
Even if supplies can reach shelters or hospitals, they still do usually destroyed in subsequent attacks.
Calling member countries
Mr. Petropoulos called on Member States to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians.
He emphasized the need for a ceasefire and immediate, full humanitarian access.
“We need to reach people wherever they are,” he said. “We need to demonstrate the impact of this response based on how people are doing and not the number of trucks,” he added.
The United Nations has continuously warned of an escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Secretary General António Guterres calls on all parties to respect the principles of international humanitarian law and to facilitate the delivery of aid to those in need.
As the crisis intensifies, the United Nations humanitarian system in Gaza faces its greatest test yet, operating “hands-on” with very few reserves.
