Background on the Situation
More than 500,000 Palestinians have been displaced from their homes within the Gaza Strip since March 18, when the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) resumed military operations in violation of a ceasefire agreed upon mid-January with Hamas, according to the United Nations.
Who is Hamas?
Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni Islamic political organization and militant group that has governed the Gaza Strip since its victory in the 2006 Palestinian legislative election. It is considered a terrorist organization by several countries, including Israel, the United States, and the European Union.
UN’s Statement on the Crisis
Stéphanie Tremblay, the Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, highlighted during a press briefing that over 500,000 people have been forced to flee their shelters in Gaza due to ongoing military operations by the IDF since March 18.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
Tremblay warned that the escalation of hostilities, combined with restrictions on access to Gaza imposed by Israeli authorities, is exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis. This has left residents without shelter, food, and medicine, increasing the risk of malnutrition among children.
- Question: How many humanitarian movements were planned and how many were allowed?
Answer: Only two out of the six planned humanitarian movements were facilitated, while the remaining four were denied. One of the denied missions was to retrieve fuel from Rafah, which is urgently needed.
Humanitarian Aid Blockage
From New York, Tremblay expressed concern that humanitarian workers are facing increasing difficulties in operating as no aid has entered Gaza yet. This marks the seventh week of blockage while military operations expand.
Adherence to Humanitarian Principles
Tremblay emphasized that humanitarian aid delivery agreements must fully respect humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality. She refrained from labeling Israeli authorities as using hunger as a weapon of war, in response to Hamas defense minister Israel Katz’s acknowledgment that the blockade aims to pressure Hamas into releasing captives.
Impact on Gaza Residents
The ongoing military operations have led to a significant increase in displacement, with over 500,000 Palestinians forced to leave their homes. The blockage of humanitarian aid and essential supplies, such as fuel and tents, has worsened the humanitarian crisis. Residents are now facing severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter, putting children at risk of malnutrition.
Conclusion
The United Nations has called for an immediate end to the military operations and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The international community must work together to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians and ensure their fundamental rights are protected.
