UN Launches $2.8 Billion Appeal for Urgent Aid in Gaza and West Bank
In a press conference held in New York, UN and partner agencies made a strong case for “critical changes” to enhance aid access into Gaza. The appeal, amounting to $2.8 billion, aims to provide urgent assistance to millions of people in the devastated enclave, as well as in the West Bank, where Palestinians are increasingly facing settler violence.
Israeli Bombardment Continues in Gaza
Reports have emerged of ongoing Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, targeting areas like Gaza City, Rafah, and central Gaza. The recent missile attack on a refugee camp in central Gaza left more than a dozen people dead, including children. The situation remains grim as the violence escalates.
Imminent Famine Threatens Northern Gaza
The appeal seeks to assist 3.1 million people in Gaza and the West Bank by the end of the year. In Gaza, over 2.3 million people are at risk, with experts warning of an imminent famine in the northern governorates. The population is facing catastrophic levels of hunger, exacerbated by the lack of basic food items and the reselling of humanitarian aid in markets.
UNRWA at the Forefront of Humanitarian Response
UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, is at the forefront of the humanitarian response in Gaza and the West Bank. With two-thirds of Gaza’s population being Palestine refugees, UNRWA’s role in providing assistance is crucial. The agency serves over a million refugees and registered persons in the West Bank, addressing critical needs like clean water access.
Challenges in Accessing Clean Water and Medical Services
The lack of access to clean water remains a major concern, with only one of three water pipelines from Israel operational. Groundwater wells are unreliable, and wastewater treatment systems are inadequate, posing a public health risk. Medical facilities like Al-Shifa Hospital are severely damaged, hindering the delivery of essential healthcare services.
Call for International Support
The $2.8 billion appeal is part of a larger funding requirement estimated at $4.1 billion to address the needs of the most vulnerable. The UN Security Council is set to discuss the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on the escalating crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for international support. The humanitarian situation in the region remains critical, requiring immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
