OCHA warns of escalating civilian suffering in Gaza as hostilities continue

“Just yesterday in Gaza City, there were reports of dozens of people killed – including at least eight children – after an Israeli strike hit a residential building. Many are still missing under the rubble.”
OCHA stressed that civilians must be protected under international law and should never be a target, as stated by the UN Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, during the daily press briefing on Thursday in New York.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported limited progress in facilitating medical evacuations from Gaza. “Yesterday, 18 patients and nearly 30 companions were allowed to exit to seek specialized treatment abroad. However, with some 12,500 patients in Gaza still in need of medical evacuation outside the Strip, WHO calls for them to be able to do so through all available border crossings and corridors.”
Once again, OCHA reiterated the urgency of reopening the crossings to allow critical supplies to enter.
Haq pointed out that more than 60,000 children are reportedly suffering from malnutrition, at a time when community kitchens are rapidly running out of fuel and supplies.
In this regard, Haq said that partners are also warning of acute water shortages in shelters hosting displaced people across Gaza. “The loss of water – together with the lack of cleaning supplies and cohabitation with livestock – are having a dire public health impact. In March, more than one-third of households in Gaza experienced lice infestations.”
The UN Deputy Spokesperson reported that humanitarian partners have identified more than a dozen unaccompanied and separated children this week. “They are doing everything possible to reunite these children with their families.”