The United Nations (UN) has launched an urgent appeal to the international community to raise $4.1 billion to address the humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories. This request comes after more than a year of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has left the civilian population in an extremely vulnerable situation.
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric stressed that this amount is only a fraction of the $6.6 billion that is actually needed to deal with the devastation. This highlights the systematic constraints on humanitarian assistance in the region, exacerbated by Israeli restrictions.
In particular, it is noted that about 90 percent of the funds requested will be directed to Gaza, where the situation is particularly critical. The description of the devastation in Gaza is disturbing. Dujarric stated that “the speed and scale of the killings and destruction are something never seen in the Gaza Strip in recent history.”
🚨 We and our partners are calling for $4.07 billion to help 3 million people in #Gaza and the #WestBank next year.
⭕ People desperately need humanitarian aid.
⭕ All impediments to aid must be lifted.
⭕ Our work must be facilitated.Hear more from humanitarians in Gaza.
— UN Humanitarian (@UNOCHA) December 11, 2024
This statement resonates with the alarming remarks of UN Development Programme Associate Administrator Haoliang Xu, who, after visiting the region, stated that he had never witnessed such a level of devastation in his career.
His words reflect a heartbreaking reality: the impact of the conflict has been devastating for the civilian population, especially young people, who face significant losses in their education and health.
Xu highlighted the urgent need to manage waste generated by displaced individuals and those living in precarious conditions, which poses a significant risk to public health.
The lack of coordination between Israeli authorities and the UN in this regard further complicates the situation.
At a time when dialogue seems more necessary than ever, the call for a ceasefire and humanitarian cooperation becomes imperative.
The international community faces the challenge of responding to this crisis not only with words but with concrete actions that can alleviate the suffering of millions of people trapped in a cycle of violence and desolation. (WiredJA)