Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza as Israeli Restrictions Hinder Aid Efforts

Workers delivering relief to northern Gaza now face additional challenges in coordinating with Israeli authorities before passing through military checkpoints, according to UN humanitarians. The routine difficulties of working in an active conflict, including access constraints and fuel restrictions, have been compounded by an ongoing power blackout and lack of public order and safety. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that despite coordinating 60 humanitarian missions into the north during the first 16 days of July, only 24 were facilitated, while 12 were denied access by Israeli authorities and 20 others were impeded by Israeli troops on the ground.

Key Takeaways:

• The Israeli authorities have denied access to 12 humanitarian missions to the north of Gaza, while 20 others were impeded by Israeli troops on the ground, resulting in significant delays in delivering aid to those in need.
• The ongoing conflict has led to a severe shortage of fuel, causing power blackouts and limiting access to essential services, including healthcare and clean water.
• The UN relief agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, reports limited access to hygiene and clean water, and an increasing incidence of rashes and skin diseases across the Gaza Strip.
• UNRWA's teams are providing medication, but warn that without improved conditions, the infections inevitably return.
• In the West Bank, more than 750 Palestinians have been displaced since the beginning of the year due to the demolition of their homes by Israeli authorities, with over 600 homes and other structures being demolished during that period.
• The Israeli military has damaged dozens of residential buildings and stores, as well as water and sewage networks, in the Nur Shams refugee camp, resulting in the displacement of over 740 Palestinians.

Statistics:

• 60 humanitarian missions were coordinated into the north of Gaza during the first 16 days of July, but 36 (24 facilitated and 12 denied) missions were hindered.
• 20 humanitarian missions were impeded by Israeli troops on the ground, while 12 were denied access by Israeli authorities.
• 740 Palestinians were displaced in the Nur Shams refugee camp following the destruction of residential buildings and stores by the Israeli military.
• 600 homes and other structures were demolished in the West Bank during the first seven months of the year.
• 750 Palestinians have been displaced in the West Bank since the beginning of the year due to the demolition of their homes.

Sources:

• Xinhua, "Workers delivering relief to Gaza must coordinate with Israeli authorities: UN" [July 18, 2024]
• OCHA, citing UNRWA and other humanitarian partners