UN Agencies Call for Increased Protection and Aid Delivery in Gaza

United Nations aid agencies are urging Israeli authorities to enhance the safety of aid workers in the Gaza Strip and ensure the effective distribution of assistance to those in need. According to a U.N. spokesman, the agencies are facing challenges in delivering food and essential supplies, with a recent report warning of a high risk of famine in Gaza.

Concerns Over Humanitarian Crisis

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (I.P.C.) report revealed that nearly 500,000 people in Gaza, constituting almost a quarter of the population, are at risk of starvation. While some progress has been made in increasing food supplies to northern Gaza, the situation remains dire, underscoring the urgent need for additional aid.

Israeli Response and Aid Delivery

Israeli authorities have refuted accusations of hindering aid efforts, highlighting photos of aid supplies awaiting distribution. Despite this, U.N. officials have been advocating for enhanced protections for aid workers and expedited aid delivery to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Challenges Faced by Aid Workers

• Aid groups express concerns over the safety of their personnel, with Gaza being identified as the most dangerous place for aid workers.
• The U.N.’s World Food Program temporarily suspended aid deliveries following an Israeli operation that targeted its warehouses, raising fears of further disruptions to humanitarian operations.
• Approximately 250 aid workers, including UNRWA staff, have lost their lives since the recent conflict began, emphasizing the perilous conditions faced by humanitarian workers in Gaza.

Addressing Humanitarian Needs

Despite the challenges, the U.N. emphasizes the critical importance of supporting millions of Palestinians reliant on humanitarian aid for survival. Efforts to assess the security situation daily aim to ensure the safe and effective operation of humanitarian missions in Gaza.

A spokesperson for UNRWA described the current humanitarian operation in Gaza as excessively complex and challenging, highlighting the pressing need for sustained support and cooperation to alleviate the crisis.