Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Israel-Gaza war
Urgent Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The United Nations’ (UN) senior official overseeing aid and reconstruction in Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, has raised alarm over the international community's inability to meet the dire needs of Gaza’s civilian population. Appointed nine months ago, Kaag has been working to enhance the delivery of aid, but she stated that despite logistical systems being in place, they are not enough to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Gaza’s deteriorating conditions, compounded by repeated conflicts, have left over two million residents dependent on aid. Describing the territory as “the most unsafe place in the world to work,” Kaag highlighted the enormous risks taken by humanitarian workers, with nearly 300 aid workers killed since the war began, over two thirds of whom were UN staff.
Challenges in Delivering Aid
The conflict has posed significant barriers to the effective delivery of aid, with the ongoing fighting making it difficult to provide basic necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies. Kaag stressed the importance of a ceasefire to allow for a more structured humanitarian response, particularly in securing the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. She also expressed concern that “deconfliction,” a process designed to ensure the safety of aid workers during missions, has been largely ineffective. For instance, an aid convoy heading into northern Gaza was recently blocked by Israeli forces, and a UN operated school being used as a shelter was targeted in an airstrike, resulting in 18 deaths, including children. Israel claims Hamas is using such facilities for military purposes, further complicating aid efforts.
Cooperation with Israeli Officials
Despite the immense challenges, Kaag described her discussions with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as “constructive.” However, she noted a significant delay between commitments made by Israeli officials and their actual implementation. While Israeli authorities maintain that sufficient aid is reaching Gaza, the UN's own surveys and health reports indicate that the majority of Gaza’s population is food insecure, with malnourished children and babies arriving at health centers daily. The ongoing blockade of Gaza, which severely restricts the flow of goods, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leaving many civilians without access to basic resources, including clean water, fuel, and electricity.
UNRWA Under Scrutiny
UNRWA is the biggest UN agency that operates in Gaza and has been accused of being infiltrated by Hamas. The Israeli officials have accused the agency of allowing its facilities for military aims, and after a series of investigations into the happenings at the agency, some staff members were dismissed from the service. Nevertheless, Kaag, during the presentation of her concerns, came forward in defense of UNRWA's integrity, underlining that investigations into violations are ongoing when evidence is provided. UNRWA is indispensable for Education, Healthcare, and emergency aid to the Palestinian refugees, with a staff of over 13,000 in Gaza. The agency, however, has been stretched beyond its capacity to function effectively by the protracted conflict and blockade. Kaag finished speaking by emphasizing how deeply traumatized both Gazans and Israelis are and that humanitarian efforts have to be sped up to prevent further bloodshed.
コメント