Addressing journalists from Deir Al Balah on Saturday, Jonathan Whittall, who heads the United Nations Humanitarian Coordination Office (Ochha) in Gaza and in the West Bank, said: “The attempt to survive is sentenced to a death sentence. “”
Since Israel has relaxed its total blockade last month, more than 400 people have died by trying to reach food distribution points.
“” We see a frightening scheme of Israeli forces opening fire on the crowds that come together to get food“Said Mr. Whittall, noting that many of these sites are in militarized areas. Others have been killed along the access routes or while protecting convoys of help.
“It shouldn’t be so,” he said. “There should be no death report associated with access to the essentials with life.”
Empty warehouses, exceeded hospitals
Conditions through Gaza continue to deteriorate. The water wells have been dry or is located in dangerous areas, the sanitation systems collapsed and the disease spreads quickly.
“Our warehouses are empty,” said Whittall. “” Displaced families flee with nothing – and we have nothing to give them. “”
Partially functional hospitals are overwhelmed by almost daily mass events. Some have been directly struck, while others are stifled by fuel shortages and forced evacuation orders.
Unicef reports that more than 110 children are treated every day for malnutrition. Whittall said that humanitarian agencies are able to reach each family in the broken enclave but are systematically blocked. “We have a plan … but we are prevented from doing so every turn. »»
Death conviction
He described the situation as “armed hunger”, a “forced displacement” and “a death sentence for people who try to survive”.
“It’s carnage,” said Whittall. “It seems that it is the erasure of the Palestinian life of Gaza.”
He urged the international community to act: “We need a sustainable ceasefire, responsibility and real pressure to stop this. This is the bare minimum. “
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
