The ongoing and serious escalation of violence in and around Gaza
between Palestinian militants and Israel has claimed the lives of
13 Palestinians by Israeli airstrikes, including a 5-year-old
child and one woman, informed Lynn Hastings, UN Humanitarian
Coordinator in the territory.
In a
statement published on Saturday, Ms. Hastings expressed
her grave concern for the situation that has
left more than 100 Palestinians injured, as well as
7 Israelis.
Residential areas in both Gaza and Israel have also been hit and
31 families in Gaza are now homeless.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is already dire and can only
worsen with this most recent escalation. The
hostilities must stop to avoid more deaths and injuries of
civilians in Gaza and Israel. The principles of international
humanitarian law including those of distinction, precaution and
proportionality must be respected by all parties”, she urged.
Basic services in danger
Ms. Hastings warned that fuel for the Gaza Power Plant is due to
run out this Saturday and electricity has already been cut.
“The continued operation of basic service facilities such as
hospitals, schools, warehouses, and designated shelters for
internally displaced persons is essential and now at risk”, she
cautioned.
The Humanitarian Coordinator added that movement and access of
humanitarian personnel, for critical medical cases, and for
essential goods, including food and fuel into Gaza, must not be
impeded so that humanitarian needs can be met.
She also underscored that Israeli authorities and
Palestinian armed groups must immediately allow the United
Nations and its humanitarian partners to bring in fuel, food, and
medical supplies and to deploy humanitarian
personnel in accordance with international principles.
“I reiterate the United Nations Special Coordinator’s appeal on
all sides for an immediate de-escalation and halt to the
violence, to avoid destructive ramifications, particularly for
civilians”, Ms. Hastings concluded.
