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United Nations

Gaza and West Bank Conflict: UN Official's Final Briefing

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Andrea De Domenico, the top United Nations humanitarian official for the Palestinian territories, delivered his final briefing to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York after his visa was not renewed by the Israeli authorities. Reflecting on his time in the region, he noted that the UN Secretary-General's previous warning that Gaza was becoming a graveyard for children had sadly come true. De Domenico expressed concern over the "systematic dehumanization of civilians" and the "absolute physical and psychological exhaustion of an entire population" in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over the past 10 months, De Domenico witnessed the "systematic dehumanization of civilians" in both Gaza and the West Bank.
  • The UN has verified the killing of 572 Palestinians, including 141 children, since 7 October in the West Bank.
  • In Gaza, more than 39,000 people have been killed, 91,000 injured, and 60% of residential buildings have been destroyed, with 1.9 million people displaced.
  • The Israeli authorities have not renewed De Domenico's visa, with him stating it was due to the publication of the Children and Armed Conflict report.
  • De Domenico highlighted the need to scale up operations to assist the affected population, which is facing food insecurity and the spread of polio.
  • The UN has been providing aid to the population, including water, food, tents, clothing, and hygiene items, but efforts are "nowhere near" where they should be in terms of helping people.
  • De Domenico also pointed to "rays of hope," such as the start of a program to provide informal learning for 30,000 children.
  • The Israeli military's "attitude" towards humanitarians is becoming more aggressive, with international non-governmental organizations facing challenges in Obtaining permits and visas for staff in the West Bank.

Statistics:

  • 39,000 people killed in Gaza
  • 91,000 people injured in Gaza
  • 1.9 million people displaced in Gaza
  • 60% of residential buildings destroyed in Gaza
  • 572 Palestinians killed in the West Bank, including 141 children
  • 1,300 structures demolished in the West Bank, nearly 40% of which were inhabited
  • 3,000 people displaced in the West Bank
  • 30,000 children targeted by the informal learning program

Sources:

  • UN Secretary-General
  • Andrea De Domenico, UN Official
  • UNRWA
  • UNICEF

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