UNRWA Reports Major Humanitarian Progress in Gaza Despite Challenges
Teams from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) have been working tirelessly to support Gaza’s population, which has endured 15 months of relentless bombardment, forced displacement, and shortages of essential supplies.
Commitment to Gaza
“This demonstrates UNRWA’s unwavering commitment to assisting Gaza’s families during this unprecedented humanitarian crisis,” stated Sam Rose, UNRWA’s acting director of Gaza Affairs, from a health center in southern Gaza.
“Despite political and logistical challenges, the agency remains determined to provide essential aid and services to those who need them most,” he added.
In October, Israel’s Knesset passed laws banning UNRWA from operating within Israeli territory and prohibiting contact between national authorities and UNRWA representatives. These laws took effect in January.
Two Million People Receive Assistance
In collaboration with humanitarian partners, UNRWA has successfully provided food aid to two million people—over 90% of Gaza’s population—helping to improve food security.
Additionally, healthcare access has been restored for nearly 180,000 people, following the reopening of health centers in Khan Younis, Rafah, and Gaza City.
UNRWA teams have also distributed essential survival items to more than 500,000 individuals, including blankets, mattresses, clothing, cooking supplies, and tarpaulins to provide protection from the rain.
Increased Humanitarian Support
A recent polio vaccination campaign in Gaza successfully immunized over 600,000 children under the age of 10, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported from UN Headquarters in New York.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided medical supplies to three hospitals and five health organizations, benefiting 250,000 people. WHO also expanded emergency and triage capacity at Al-Shifa hospital by adding tents and 20 extra beds.
UNICEF has supplied vital health kits, pediatric medicines, and neonatal care packages for more than 20,000 people at Al Awda Hospital.
Additionally, UN agencies have increased food assistance, distributing 860,000 cooked meals daily, a 10% rise from the previous week.
Schools Reopen for Some Students
The World Food Programme (WFP) has resumed subsidized bread sales at 24 retail shops in southern Gaza and re-established four food distribution centers in the north.
Efforts to restore water and sanitation services continue, with two new water points set up and expanded in North Gaza, along with the repair of water networks in Khan Younis.
As of Wednesday, 100,000 children have returned to school for in-person learning after a 16-month hiatus. A total of 165 public schools have reopened across Gaza.
Escalating Crisis in the West Bank
Meanwhile, the situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate. Israeli military operations in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas have resulted in further casualties and displacement, restricting access to essential services.
The UN has emphasized the need to uphold international law and protect civilians.
Ajith Sunghay, the UN’s top human rights official for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, told UN News on Thursday that with 40,000 people now forcibly displaced from refugee camps in the West Bank, many may not be able to return for at least a year as Israeli forces entrench their positions.
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