By Philippe Lazzarini
Copyright qna
New York, September 16 (QNA) – The United Nations has condemned the deadly escalation in Israel’s military operations in Gaza over the past two days, which has resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of people.
Stephan Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN, highlighted the devastating impact of this escalation on civilians who are “suffering from extreme hunger and hardship” in the Gaza Strip.
During his daily press briefing, Dujarric reiterated calls for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, as well as respect for international law.
He referred to a statement by Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, who reported that 10 buildings belonging to the agency in Gaza City had been bombed in just four days. This includes 7 schools and two health clinics that are being used as shelters for thousands of displaced people.
Dujarric also noted that displaced individuals are using the heavily congested Rashid Road, the only route available to head south.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that transportation costs to the south have increased, and many people who cannot afford the $1,600 required to move south are forced to stay in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Dujarric warned that hunger will worsen, particularly among children, without safe and sustained humanitarian access.
He further quoted UN partners as saying that one-third of the malnutrition treatment centers in Gaza City have closed due to forced displacement orders. (QNA)
