Gaza [Palestine]: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with over two million residents trapped in deteriorating conditions, according to Louise Wateridge, Emergency Officer for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Speaking on Friday, Wateridge described the situation as dire, stating that residents are unable to escape and face life-threatening risks on all routes.
“Every possible route leads to death,” Wateridge said.
UNRWA has reported worsening weather conditions that further complicate relief efforts. Despite urgent needs, the agency has been forced to prioritize food over shelter due to prolonged supply delays. Essential supplies destined for Gaza have been held outside the region for six months, leaving humanitarian workers with the difficult choice of addressing either hunger or homelessness.
Children Bear the Brunt of the Crisis
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarm over the severe impact of the ongoing crisis on Gaza’s children. Rosalia Bolin, UNICEF’s Chief Communications Officer in Gaza, emphasized the devastating toll the conflict has taken on the youngest and most vulnerable population.
“The war on children serves as a stark reminder of the global responsibility to end their suffering,” Bolin stated.
For over 14 months, children in Gaza have faced relentless hardship, with over 14,500 reported killed and thousands more injured. Bolin painted a harrowing picture of life for children in Gaza, where winter has brought additional challenges.
“Children are enduring cold and damp conditions, often still in summer clothes and walking barefoot. Many scavenge through rubble for plastic to burn for warmth,” Bolin said.
The lack of healthcare services and attacks on hospitals have exacerbated the situation, with diseases spreading rapidly across the region.
Call for Immediate Action
Humanitarian workers describe Gaza as one of the most challenging places to operate, where every effort to alleviate suffering is met with relentless devastation. UNICEF has called on the international community to take urgent action to end the crisis and provide immediate support to the people of Gaza, particularly its children.
As winter deepens, the dire conditions in Gaza continue to worsen, underscoring the urgent need for global solidarity and effective humanitarian intervention.