The Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, the Humanitarian Coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lynne Hastings, warned of the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip as a result of the current Zionist escalation.
Hastings expressed, in a statement, reported by the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), today, Saturday, its deep concern “over the continuing and dangerous escalation of violence in Gaza,” which has so far claimed the lives of 15 Palestinians due to the Zionist air strikes, including a 5-year-old girl. And two women, and wounding more than 100 Palestinians, in addition to the bombing of residential areas in Gaza and damage to homes, where 31 families became homeless.
She said, “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is really dire and can only worsen with this latest escalation,” and demanded a halt to the escalation to avoid more victims, and to respect the principles of international humanitarian law (…).
The UN official indicated that “it is scheduled to run out of fuel for the power plant in Gaza today, Saturday, and the electricity has already been cut off.”
She also indicated that “the continued operation of basic service facilities such as hospitals, schools, warehouses and shelters for the displaced is essential and is now at risk.”
“The movement and access of humanitarian workers to critical medical cases, and essential goods, including food and fuel, to Gaza must not be impeded so that humanitarian needs can be met,” she said.
Lynne Hastings called for the immediate authorization of the United Nations and its humanitarian partners to bring in fuel, food, medical supplies and deploy humanitarian personnel, in accordance with international principles and, according to them, “specifically ensuring security and transit through key border crossings to ensure that humanitarian needs are met.”
