Just hours before UN agencies reported that phone lines, internet, and mobile service in Gaza went down, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Palestine, Lynn Hastings, expressed concern over the intensified bombardment in Gaza, stating that Gaza has lost contact with the outside world.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, also voiced concern over the situation, stating that they have lost touch with their staff in Gaza and other humanitarian partners on the ground.
Catherine Russell, head of UNICEF, expressed concern for the safety of colleagues and the one million children in Gaza and called for their protection.
Fuel supply critical
İçerik Tablosu
The Secretary-General emphasized the need for life-saving humanitarian aid, including food, water, medicine, and fuel, to reach all civilians in Gaza swiftly and safely. He highlighted the insufficient supply of fuel for UN operations, which is essential for powering essential facilities and distributing aid.
He called for the adjustment of the verification system for the movement of goods through the Rafah crossing from Egypt to allow more trucks in without delay.
‘A moment of truth’
The Secretary-General welcomed the growing global consensus for a humanitarian pause in the conflict and called for a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the delivery of lifesaving supplies at the necessary scale. He warned that without a fundamental change, the people of Gaza will face unprecedented suffering.
Meeting with Iran
The UN chief met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to discuss the importance of Iran’s contribution towards the release of hostages in Gaza and efforts to avoid a regional spill-over of the conflict.
No fuel, no bread: WFP
The World Food Programme highlighted the severe fuel shortages threatening humanitarian operations in Gaza. They emphasized that without additional fuel supplies, bakeries working with WFP will no longer be able to produce bread, which would have a devastating impact on families relying on daily bread deliveries.
$80 million health appeal
WHO is seeking $80 million to respond to needs in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly Gaza, and for contingency planning in neighboring countries. The funding will be used for trauma and emergency care services, essential health services, disease surveillance, and outbreak control measures.
WHO noted the large number of civilian deaths and injuries caused by the conflict and expressed concern over the overcrowded hospitals, lack of medical supplies, and the risk of disease outbreaks due to inadequate resources in shelters.
Fear of outbreaks, spillover
There have been numerous attacks on healthcare in the occupied Palestinian territory, leading to deaths and injuries. WHO warned of the escalation of hostilities spreading to other countries in the region and the risk of spillover.
Explosions in Lebanon
UNIFIL reported hearing explosions in the south of Lebanon and observed flare and shell fire. Fires near UN positions caused by exchanges of fire along the Blue Line have been extinguished with the support of UN firefighters.