UN spokesperson stresses serious humanitarian situation in northern Gaza

Published at: 12/01/2024 08:26 AM

A spokesperson for the United Nations (UN) stressed on Thursday the worsening of the humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza, stressing significant obstacles to assistance efforts.

During the regular press appearance, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, said that “between January 1 and 10, only three of the twenty-one planned deliveries of aid with food, medicine, water and other lifesaving supplies north of Wadi Gaza could be carried out.”

He emphasized the critical role played by these supplies, including “medical supplies for Gaza City and fuel for water and sanitation facilities in Gaza City and the north”, which were “denied by the Israeli authorities”.

Dujarric compared the current situation with previous months, revealing a significant decline in aid income. “The income rate observed in January shows a significant deterioration so far compared to the income rate in December of last year,” he added, highlighting a drop from more than 70 percent in December to close to 14 percent in early January.

Stressing the human cost of these restrictions, Dujarric continued, “every day that we cannot provide assistance results in loss of life and suffering for hundreds of thousands of people who are still in northern Gaza.”

Adding to the urgency, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, drew a disastrous scenario about the health sector in Gaza in a post on social networks. “The healthcare sector in Gaza is slowly suffocating while hospitals are still under fire,” he said.

On the pressing consequences, she continued, “pregnant women cannot give birth to their children safely. Children cannot be vaccinated. The sick and injured cannot be treated. People die.”

He reminded all parties that “the rules of war are clear and the parties must protect civilians, including, of course, humanitarian workers.”

XINHUA/MAZO EDITORIAL STAFF