Sunday, May 19, 2024
Islamabad (Urdu Point. UN Urdu. May 19, 2024) After the start of Israel's military operation, 800,000 people have been displaced from Rafah, the southern region of Gaza. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRA) has appealed for protection and humanitarian assistance to the displaced.
UNRA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini has said that once again a large population of Gaza has been displaced.
After Israel ordered the evacuation of Rafah, people are heading to central Gaza and Khan Yunis, taking shelter wherever they can, including in destroyed buildings.
UNLazzarini
They say that people are vulnerable to attacks when they move without safe passage or protection.
They have to start life anew every time. The areas that people leaving Rafah are moving to have neither clean water nor drainage facilities.
Israel has also ordered people to move to the southern coastal region of al-Mawasi, but there are no buildings or roads in the area. There is also no provision to deliver emergency humanitarian aid to people in a safe and dignified manner in the 14 square kilometer agricultural area.
Before the recent war, about 400,000 people lived in Al-Mawasi. However, now a large number of refugees have also come here and there is no room for more people.
There is no safe zone
Philip Lazzarini has said that Israel's claim that Gazans can move to 'safe' areas is not true. Every time such orders are given, the lives of lakhs of people are at risk.
They say that there is no safe area in Gaza and no place can be declared safe. The situation is getting worse due to lack of humanitarian aid and basic necessities. Aid agencies have run out of food and other supplies to provide to the people.
Gaza's border with Egypt is still closed, while the Kerim Shalom border crossing is insecure due to military operations.
There is a severe fuel shortage across Gaza, which is also affecting aid distribution.
Importance of land routes
He has stated that only 33 aid trucks have been able to enter southern Gaza since May 6, which is negligible compared to the growing aid needs. While the arrival of the first aid shipment at a US-built floating dock off the coast of Gaza is welcome, it is no substitute for land routes, which are the most viable, efficient and safe means of delivering aid.
The World Food Program (WFP) has confirmed that 10 trucks with aid arriving at the dock have reached its warehouse here, the UN spokesperson's office said.
The aid also includes nutritious biscuits, pasta and pulses for 'WFP'. The Commissioner General has said that all border crossings in Gaza should be opened and safe access should be available.
If this does not happen, aid shortages and a catastrophic humanitarian situation will continue.
Call for Armistice
Philippe Lazzarini has asked the warring parties to ensure the speedy and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to all citizens. Displaced populations must have access to the basic necessities of life such as food, water, shelter, sanitation and protection.
Aid teams also need to have safe and free access to people in need. It is the duty of belligerents to protect civilians and civilian installations everywhere. Above all, it is time for a consensus for a ceasefire.
They say that a further increase in tension will cause more civilian casualties and will not bring about the peace and stability that both Israelis and Palestinians desperately need and deserve.
