The United Nations has reported a surge in casualties across Gaza, as hostilities escalate and attacks target areas where civilians gather for humanitarian aid. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed deep concern on Monday over the increasing number of deaths and injuries, particularly among those seeking food and essential supplies.
“I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement. “It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food.”
According to Gaza-based health authorities, at least 31 people were killed and dozens injured on Sunday when Israeli forces allegedly opened fire near a humanitarian aid distribution point in Rafah, southern Gaza. Israel has denied involvement in the incident.
Guterres called for an immediate and independent investigation into the attacks and emphasized the need for accountability. He underscored Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law to facilitate humanitarian aid, stating that “the unimpeded entry of assistance at scale to meet the enormous needs in Gaza must be restored immediately.”
The OCHA reported that essential health facilities in Gaza are being compromised. In North Gaza, the Noura Al Kaabi Center for Dialysis was reportedly hit, resulting in more than 40 percent of dialysis patients dying since October due to strikes or lack of access to medical centers.
Displacement Crisis
Continued hostilities have forced thousands to flee their homes once again. On Saturday, Israeli authorities issued a displacement order in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, affecting approximately 100,000 people in over 200 displacement sites. This has led to the closure of vital healthcare centers and disrupted education for at least 8,000 students.
“These closures constitute a severe setback for children’s education, limiting access to a safe and structured learning environment,” the OCHA stated.
Humanitarian Challenges
Humanitarian teams face severe challenges in delivering aid due to security restrictions and infrastructure damage. Efforts to repair essential water pipelines and distribute potable water have been hindered, with attempts denied by Israeli authorities.
Over the weekend, the UN and its partners attempted to bring supplies into Gaza through crossings but faced closures and severe limitations on the volume and variety of goods allowed.
Guterres and UN humanitarian partners have called for the lifting of restrictions on aid and essential goods to ensure that the needs of civilians in Gaza are met. “People in Gaza continue to suffer from frequent water shortages,” the OCHA reported, highlighting the urgent need for immediate humanitarian assistance.
