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Humanitarian Efforts Fall Short in Gaza War After 300 Days

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the Israeli authorities revoked his visa, leaving him unable to extend his time in the region, UNRWA's Director of Operations in the Middle East, Andrea De Domenico, delivered his final briefing to journalists from Jerusalem, highlighting the critical shortcomings in humanitarian efforts in Gaza. He noted that the international community must answer the question of how much human suffering can be tolerated in the name of security. Reflecting on the past 10 months, Mr. De Domenico underscored the "systematic dehumanization of civilians" in both Gaza and the West Bank, with the absolute physical and psychological exhaustion of an entire population.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 300 days into the Gaza war, humanitarian efforts fall far short of what is needed to address the suffering of the population.
  • More than 200,000 people have been displaced, with spontaneous returns occurring in recent days, amidst increasing death and destruction.
  • The toll of the war includes over 39,000 deaths, 91,000 injuries, and 90% of the population (1.9 million people) displaced, with 60% of residential buildings destroyed.
  • Food insecurity is at its highest level, and polio was recently detected in sewage samples.
  • Mr. De Domenico emphasized that despite providing essential aid like water, food, and medical supplies, these efforts are "nowhere near where they should be" to aid the population effectively.
  • The UN continues to call for all leaders to speak out against antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, and hate speech, which only reinforce stigma and marginalization.
  • The situation in the West Bank has also worsened, with over 572 Palestinians killed, including 141 children, and 1,300 structures demolished, displacing nearly 3,000 people.
  • International non-governmental organizations in the West Bank are plagued by lack of permits and visas for staff, reflecting an increasingly aggressive approach by the Israeli military towards humanitarians.

Statistics:

  • Over 300 days have passed since the start of the Gaza war in response to Hamas-led terror attacks on 7 October 2023.
  • 39,000 people have died in Gaza, with 91,000 injured.
  • 90% of the Gaza population (1.9 million people) is displaced, and 60% of residential buildings have been destroyed, resulting in an estimated 49 million tonnes of debris generated.
  • Food insecurity is at its highest level, with polio detected in sewage samples.
  • 572 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including 141 children.
  • 1,300 structures have been demolished in the West Bank, nearly 40% of which were inhabited, displacing nearly 3,000 people.
  • The Israeli military's "attitude" towards humanitarians has become more aggressive, with staff being systematically stopped at checkpoints, identified, and requested to step out of vehicles.

Sources:

  • M2 PRESSWIRE - August 2, 2024 - "Humanitarians efforts 'nowhere near where they should be' 300 days into Gaza war" (c) 1994-2024 M2 COMMUNICATIONS.

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