UNOCHA: Aid mission denials are latest threat to Gaza’s hospitals

The repeated refusals by Israeli authorities to permit UN aid teams to deliver needed humanitarian relief inside Gaza have had severe consequences, isolating five hospitals in the northern region from accessing life-saving medical supplies and equipment, according to the UN aid coordination office (OCHA). In the midst of intensified bombing and clashes across the Strip, OCHA reported that requests to reach the Central Drug Store in Gaza City and Al Awda Hospital in Jabalya, both crucial medical facilities, have been denied five times since December 26.
The continued denial of fuel delivery to water and sanitation facilities is exacerbating an already dire situation, leaving tens of thousands of people without access to clean water. This increases the risk of sewage overflows, significantly heightening the potential spread of communicable diseases.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) reported that out of Gaza's 36 hospitals, 15 remain only partially functional, with nine in the south and six in the north. Since the initiation of hostilities, the UN and health partners have managed to provide healthcare and medical services to an estimated 500,000 people.
OCHA documented further intense Israeli bombardment from the air, land, and sea in central and southern areas of Deir al Balah and Khan Younis governorates. Rocket fire into Israel by Palestinian armed groups also persisted, along with ongoing clashes between Israeli soldiers and militants, particularly in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis governorates.
Gazan health authorities reported a grim toll, with 126 Palestinians killed and another 241 injured between the afternoons of January 8 and 9, with an estimated total of at least 23,210 Palestinians killed and 59,167 injured from Israeli bombardment since it began in response to Hamas-led terror attacks in southern Israel on October 7. The toll includes 1,200 deaths, 36 of which were children, and 240 individuals taken hostage.

OCHA also reported that the Israeli authorities estimate around 136 Israelis and foreign nationals remain captive in Gaza.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have not been spared from the devastating consequences of the conflict. OCHA highlighted "many" deadly incidents with "devastating consequences for tens of thousands of civilians." Many have been forced to flee from Gaza City and the northern regions to central and southern areas of the Strip in search of safety.
UN humanitarian officials express renewed concerns over the increasing risk of disease in the Gaza Strip, specifically in Rafah, as more civilians flee due to Israeli evacuation orders. Rafah, initially home to 280,000 people, now houses over one million, as reported by UNRWA.
The agency notes alarming disease spread in the overcrowded streets of Rafah, with staff overwhelmed by rising needs. After three months of violence, nearly 85% of Gaza's population (1.9 million people) is displaced. UNRWA shelters almost 1.4 million in 155 facilities, exceeding capacity.
UNWRA installations, hit 63 times, resulted in 319 displaced killed and 1,135 injured. On January 9, 131 supply trucks entered Gaza through Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, according to OCH.

Last update

16/1/2024