Fatshimetrie –
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a source of concern for many UN agencies. While the region has been suffering from Israeli military operations for over a year, humanitarian conditions are deteriorating alarmingly, severely impacting civilians, especially women and children.
In a detailed report published by the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR), it was identified that nearly 70% of the deaths in Gaza during the first six months of this conflict were children and women. This highlights a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law by the Israeli army.
The report highlights the fact that 80% of confirmed deaths occurred in residential buildings, of which 44% were children and 26% were women. A trend is emerging showing a significant number of babies, young children, women, elderly people, and entire families killed together in these dwellings.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk stressed that these civilian casualties are “the direct consequence of the failure to respect the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, namely the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attacks.” He deplored that this situation continues, one year after the conflict began.
UNICEF also reported that more than 64 attacks on schools were recorded in the Gaza Strip last month, resulting in the deaths of 128 people, including many children. These attacks have caused massive destruction of school infrastructure, with nearly 95 per cent of schools in Gaza partially or completely destroyed since the start of hostilities.
In addition, a report by the World Health Organization reveals an imminent risk of famine in northern Gaza, an area directly affected by recent Israeli operations. Soaring food prices, a significant drop in aid shipments to the area, and an increase in malnutrition cases raise fears of a major food crisis.
In the face of this worrying situation, calls are being made for an urgent increase in humanitarian assistance, particularly in terms of food and medicines to treat severe malnutrition. The UN urges the Israeli authorities to facilitate the safe access of this essential aid in order to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.
In response to these allegations, the Israeli authorities have stated that reports of a possible famine in Gaza are based on partial and incorrect information. They affirm that measures are being taken to facilitate the transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, despite the logistical and security challenges.
Given the urgency of the situation in Gaza, it is imperative that the international community intensify its efforts to protect civilians, ensure continued access to humanitarian assistance and promote dialogue aimed at ending hostilities to enable sustainable reconstruction and the achievement of peace in the region.