40% of Gazan population at risk of famine: UNRWA

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Dec 2023 21:04
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UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese described what "Israel" is doing to the Palestinians in Gaza as representing "the horrors of the 21st century."

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

The director of operations for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza stated on Friday that "every day is a struggle for survival and finding food and water" in the region. He added, "We need more assistance," pointing out that "the only remaining hope is a humanitarian ceasefire." He emphasized that Gaza is suffering from catastrophic hunger, with "40% of the population at risk of famine."

Earlier today, UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese described what "Israel" is doing to the Palestinians in Gaza as representing "the horrors of the 21st century."

On Thursday, UNRWA spokesperson Adnan Abu Hasna reported that 5% of the total population in Gaza was either martyred, injured, or went missing.

He added that the dire humanitarian situation was exacerbated by a surge in intestinal diseases (quadrupled), respiratory diseases (quintupled), and skin diseases (tripled).

He further said that humanitarian aid was being distributed twice a week. "Therefore, hunger is widespread," he said.

Last Sunday, UNRWA reported a significant loss of 142 staff members since the start of the Israeli aggression. Most of the losses, as indicated in a tweet on X, were killed alongside their families in the region.

In this somber moment, it's hard to wish those celebrating “Merry Christmas”, with ongoing loss, grief & destruction

Our teams are doing the impossible to help people in need. We mourn the loss of more @UNRWA colleagues killed in #Gaza, now 142, the majority with their families pic.twitter.com/MC2WMBk2jM
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) December 24, 2023

UNICEF also issued a warning, emphasizing the severe water scarcity in Gaza, where children, in particular, lack 90% of their water needs. The destruction or damage to half of the water and sanitation facilities due to Israeli aggression exacerbates the crisis.

French newspaper Le Monde predicted a bleak future as it foresaw nearly half of Gaza's population entering a stage of "danger and famine." This scenario implies a sharp increase in malnutrition and a rise in the mortality rate by February 7th.