In latest developments, the United Nations agency operating in Gaza, UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), has given a critical warning. They are on the edge of having to halt their aid operations in Gaza within a day if fuel is not delivered. The condition has unfolded as Israel has denied allowing fuel into Gaza following a brutal attack by Hamas on October 7. Israel’s opinion is that the fuel could likely be used by the militant group, Hamas, to further their conflict with Israel.
Tamara Alrifai, UNRWA’s spokesperson, has highlighted that without fuel, they can only continue their operations for about a day. This raises alarming concerns about the delivery of necessary aid such as the operation of hospitals, and the ability to provide clean drinking water. The hospitals in Gaza are already devastated, and the lack of fuel puts patients, especially those reliant on oxygen supplies and infants, in a critical condition.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has specified the gravity of the condition, concerning that without fuel, required aid cannot be delivered, hospitals will lose power, and the provision of drinking water will not be possible. At present, UNRWA is providing shelter for approximately 600,000 people in Gaza, making it their sole source of assistance.
The crisis is escalating as there is a shortage of fuel for desalination plants, which are vital for providing drinking water, and for hospitals to function. The condition also raises concerns about an emerging health crisis due to the consumption of dirty, salty water in Gaza.
President Joe Biden of the United States has also weighed in on the condition. He has reported the loss of innocent lives as an unfortunate consequence of war and has pushed for Israel to be careful in avoiding civilian casualties. Biden highlighted that Israel should focus on targeting those responsible for the conflict rather than harming civilians.
The ongoing crisis has led to a growing international concern, with the United States urging Israel to minimize civilian casualties and the UN Secretary-General advocating for a ceasefire.
Amidst these challenges, the United Nations’ efforts to address the crisis have faced difficulties, with divisions in the Security Council regarding how to proceed. Proposed resolutions for humanitarian pauses have not found success, and the US has stressed the release of hostages held by Hamas as a condition for a ceasefire.
As the situation continues to worsen, there is an immediate need for a resolution to make sure that the delivery of aid and pivotal services to the people of Gaza while also addressing the broader conflict in the region. The world is closely watching the developments in Gaza, hoping for a swift resolution to this humanitarian crisis.
