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UN: No aid into Gaza for more than 70 days as hospitals come under attack
Summary
The UN said no aid or commercial goods have entered Gaza for over 70 days, hospitals continue to be hit including the surgical department of Nassar Medical Complex in Khan Younis, and only five hospitals still provide maternity services amid growing malnutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) told reporters that no aid or commercial supplies have entered the Gaza Strip for more than 70 days, creating a “disastrous toll” on the civilian population.
In a briefing, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said hospitals in Gaza continue to come under attack. He reported that Israeli forces struck the surgical department of Nassar Medical Complex in Khan Younis and that “several casualties were reported.” Dujarric said the complex is one of only eight public hospitals still partially operating in Gaza.
OCHA and U.N. humanitarian staff reported that only five hospitals across Gaza are still providing maternity care and that midwives are lacking medical supplies and equipment. The U.N. said roughly 17,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are suffering from malnutrition and need urgent support. The briefing said humanitarian partners on the ground report that Israeli authorities have continued to deny and impede attempts by humanitarians to carry out critical missions in Gaza.
“At this point, principled humanitarian assistance and other essential supplies must be allowed into Gaza to save lives,” the spokesperson said, relaying OCHA’s assessment. The U.N. also said emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher was scheduled to brief the Security Council on the situation.
The briefing reiterated the U.N.’s position that, as the occupying power, Israel must abide by international humanitarian law and facilitate aid to people in need wherever they are. The U.N. called on all parties to protect health-care facilities and personnel.
The U.N. spokesperson also noted the high human cost among journalists and civilians; questioners at the briefing said more than 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza during the current fighting. The spokesperson repeated calls for a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access and the release of hostages as essential steps to reduce civilian suffering.
Less critical details noted at the briefing included plans for additional briefings and press materials to be shared with media outlets ahead of the Security Council session where the situation in Gaza will be discussed further.
