United Nations agencies have raised concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza due to ongoing Israeli military operations. The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) released a report highlighting that nearly 70% of fatalities in Gaza over the past year were children and women, indicating a violation of international humanitarian law by the Israeli military.
The report revealed that 80% of confirmed deaths occurred in residential buildings, with a significant number being children and women. The UN Human Rights chief emphasized that civilian casualties were a result of non-compliance with fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
UNICEF reported that there were 64 attacks on schools in Gaza last month, resulting in the deaths of at least 128 people, many of whom were children. The agency noted that nearly half of the attacks took place in northern Gaza, where intense bombardments have led to mass displacement and a lack of aid.
Furthermore, a World Health Organization report warned of a potential famine in the northern Gaza Strip, attributing it to the destruction of food supplies and a significant decrease in aid shipments. The report highlighted a 312% increase in food prices since the conflict began.
WHO Director-General called for immediate action to address the escalating crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid, particularly food and medicines for severe malnutrition.
Despite these alarming reports, the Israeli agency responsible for approving aid shipments stated that 713 trucks had entered the northern Gaza Strip in October. However, the overall decrease in aid deliveries and the rising food prices continue to exacerbate the dire situation in Gaza.
