Warnings of a health and living conditions collapse in Gaza

Humanitarian concerns are escalating in the Gaza Strip as the repercussions of the Israeli war and the widespread destruction of infrastructure continue. Residents are facing catastrophic environmental and health conditions that directly threaten their lives.

In Khan Younis, residents of the al-Amari neighborhood expressed growing concern about the rising water level in a sewage pond where rainwater mixes with wastewater, amid warnings of potential flooding into homes and neighboring residential areas.

Residents fear an environmental disaster given the lack of proper drainage systems and the war-damaged infrastructure.

The Palestinian NGO Network in Gaza confirmed that the Strip continues to suffer from a genuine famine, noting that humanitarian aid entering through the crossings “covers only 30% of basic needs.” Meanwhile, UNRWA continues to play a vital role in humanitarian operations despite limited resources and damage to its facilities.

Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the UN Food Security Coordination Centre, called for the urgent opening of the crossings to rehabilitate the food system in Gaza, stressing the need to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the beleaguered territory.

The agency warned of a complete humanitarian collapse if urgent international action is not taken to ensure the protection of civilians and improve humanitarian conditions.