The United Nations has reported at least 798 people killed near food aid sites since the end of May. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, calls Gaza a “graveyard for children” as medicine and fuel shortages threaten hospitals.
Gaza’s war between Israel and Hamas has led to widespread human suffering, with many civilians caught in the middle. The head of UNRWA described the situation, saying “inaction and silence are complicities.”
The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distributes aid to Gaza residents, but the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that they operate in proximity to GHF sites to enable aid distribution. The IDF has said it only shoots at people who pose a threat.
In recent weeks, numerous civilians have been killed while waiting for nutritional supplies or near food lines. In Deir al Balah, 15 people including nine children and four women were killed while waiting for aid. Hamas denies accusations of staging shootings to blame Israel.
Malnutrition cases are at an all-time high in Gaza’s MSF clinics. Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaiseb said “the starvation of people in Gaza is intentional.” Health care staff struggle to care for patients due to fuel shortages and medical supply shortages.
Healthcare professionals reported the lack of proper medical supplies, including anesthesia and scalpels, impacting their ability to provide proper medical care. The Israeli government’s restrictions on medical supplies have imposed “almost medieval conditions” on healthcare workers in Gaza, according to Saman Zarifi, executive director of Physicians for Human Rights.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that if Hamas does not agree to his conditions for a permanent ceasefire, the IDF will use more force.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/unrwa-chief-gaza-become-graveyard-children-medicine-fuel/story?id=123675986