On Monday, three prominent international organizations, including Human Rights Watch, UNRWA, and the World Food Program, issued urgent appeals regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation has deteriorated significantly due to Israel's military actions, which have targeted medical personnel, destroyed critical water infrastructure, and severely restricted food aid to the region. These organizations are calling for immediate international intervention to address the alarming conditions faced by the residents of Gaza.
Human Rights Watch has specifically urged the International Criminal Court to investigate the Israeli military's attacks on medical personnel, highlighting reports of mistreatment and torture of detained medical staff in Israeli prisons. This ongoing violence has contributed to a catastrophic collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza, where medical professionals are struggling to provide essential services amidst the chaos.
Meanwhile, UNRWA reported that only three water wells remain operational in Deir al-Balah following the destruction of 15 wells by Israeli forces. The organization noted that water availability in the area has plummeted by 85%, forcing thousands to flee their homes and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The municipality of Deir al-Balah has expressed concern over the forced displacement of approximately 250,000 residents due to ongoing military operations.
The World Food Program has also raised alarms about the increasing challenges faced in delivering food aid to Gaza. The conflict has severely limited access to essential supplies, leading to a reduction in food parcel contents and further exacerbating hunger-related needs among the population. The organization emphasized that urgent repairs to damaged roads are necessary to facilitate aid delivery and alleviate the dire situation.
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, over 133,000 Palestinians have been reported dead or wounded, with a significant number being women and children. The international community has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, but Israel continues its military operations, disregarding UN Security Council resolutions and international legal obligations to protect civilians and prevent acts of genocide.
