UN warns of deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza as Israel continues blockade

The UN on Wednesday warned of a worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip as no aid has entered the enclave for 11 days, Anadolu news agency reported.

The development has reversed the progress made during the initial six weeks of a ceasefire deal.

“Our humanitarian colleagues warned that after 11 days of no humanitarian assistance entering Gaza, the crucial progress made during this first six weeks of the ceasefires continues to unravel across the Gaza Strip,” spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during a news conference.

Emphasising that “it’s becoming more difficult for people to have a decent and sufficient food, water, medical services and other vital items,” Dujarric said the health system remains critically impaired, particularly in the north.

“In North Gaza governorate only 16% of health services points are functioning either fully or partially,” he said.

Noting the “major challenges” in solid waste management, he warned that, “overflowing trash is creating unsanitary living conditions and obviously heightening public health risks.”

“Our colleagues have noted that inadequate management of infect infectious medical waste, as well as the mixture of solid waste with debris contaminated with explosive hazards,” he added.

Dujarric said efforts are underway to move waste from makeshift dump sites, but space is running out.

Highlighting the warning by mine clearance teams about the dangers of unexploded ordnance, Dujarric said, “This year, three people have been killed and nearly 40 injured and 18 explosions recorded to date.”

On education, Dujarric noted some progress: “Since the start of the ceasefire, (UN) partners have set up more than 200 temporary learning spaces, bringing the total of over 630, the space to support more than 170,000 children.”

“As of yesterday, 60% of all school-age children in Gaza have access to some form of learning, either in schools or in temporary spaces,” he said, noting that significant obstacles remain, as no educational supplies or equipment have been allowed in by Israel.

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