UN team reports dire conditions for displaced families in Gaza amid ongoing Israeli siege

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In a recent United Nations briefing, significant concerns were raised regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. The discussions highlighted the dire conditions faced by civilians, particularly those displaced by ongoing conflicts.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that families fleeing the Israeli offensive in northern Gaza are living in overcrowded and inadequate shelters. A team from OCHA visited four sites housing approximately 1,600 families, many of whom have been displaced for nearly 11 weeks. These families are crammed into tents or damaged buildings, lacking essential services such as electricity, clean water, and sanitation facilities. Women and girls face particular challenges, as they struggle to access shared bathrooms safely at night, often resorting to using containers within their tents.

The conditions at these sites are alarming, with reports of severe shortages of basic necessities, including clothing, mattresses, and kitchen supplies. The spread of diseases is exacerbated by the cold weather, and in one location, there were no basic services available at all. The situation worsened with recent rainfall, leading to concerns about flooding in areas where tents are set up along debris-filled streets.

In addition to the crisis in Gaza, the briefing addressed ongoing issues in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. OCHA reported that Israeli authorities continue to demolish or seize Palestinian-owned structures due to the near impossibility of obtaining building permits. Between December 10 and 16, over 70 structures were affected, displacing more than 100 people, including those who had previously received humanitarian assistance.

This briefing underscores the urgent need for humanitarian aid and intervention in both Gaza and the West Bank, as civilians continue to suffer from the impacts of conflict and displacement. The international community is called upon to address these pressing issues and provide support to those in need.

Converted from Sudan/Egypt, Syria, Libya & other topics Daily Press Briefing | United Nations meeting on December 20, 2024
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