New York, 11 October 2023 (TDI): UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Lynn Hastings urged Israel & Palestine to respect International Humanitarian Law amid the ongoing Conflict in Gaza.
She stated that compliance is vital for humanitarian efforts amid the ongoing conflict. Palestinian fighters breached Israeli borders on October 7, causing casualties and capturing civilians and military personnel.
In response, Israel declared war on October 8, conducting extensive air strikes in the densely populated Gaza Strip.
The conflict resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties, and widespread destruction of homes, schools, medical facilities, and infrastructure, leading to severe humanitarian consequences.
Hastings stated that over 200,000 of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents have been forced to flee or lost their homes due to airstrikes, emphasizing the dire situation. Urgent action is needed to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Highlighting the escalating crisis, she emphasized that a growing number of displaced residents are taking shelter in United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) schools, some already damaged by airstrikes.
Anticipating a rise in affected individuals, the statement underscored the urgent need for assistance and support. In Gaza, over 200,000 residents, out of 2.2 million, have fled or lost homes due to airstrikes, seeking refuge in damaged UNRWA schools.
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The situation is dire, with ongoing hostilities set to impact even more people in the region. Hastings expressed concern over the severe conditions in Gaza.
In this vein, she highlighted the disruption of essential services like water, electricity, and access to basic necessities by Israeli authorities.
The limited electricity supply, lasting only 3-4 hours daily, hampers healthcare facilities, affecting their ability to treat the injured, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In the face of escalating security and humanitarian crises in Gaza, it is imperative for all parties involved to uphold their responsibilities under international humanitarian law.
In the ongoing conflict, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 830 Palestinians killed and 4,250 injured due to Israeli bombardment. Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu pledged to destroy Hamas’ capabilities, seeking vengeance for the tragic events.
