UNITED NATIONS: Scaling up aid delivery remains a challenge in Gaza as the Israeli war reaches the 300-day mark, according to Andrea De Domenico, the head of the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Speaking from Jerusalem in his final briefing before leaving his post, De Domenico highlighted the severe humanitarian situation, including the physical and psychological exhaustion of the population in Gaza and the West Bank. He noted the systematic dehumanization of civilians and raised concerns about the growing anger towards Israel, which could potentially fuel antisemitism.
De Domenico described the dire conditions, with over 39,000 people killed, 91,000 injured, and 90% of Gaza’s population displaced. He emphasized that despite efforts to provide essential supplies like water, food, and medical aid, the scale of humanitarian response remains inadequate. The recent discovery of polio in sewage samples and heightened food insecurity further exacerbate the crisis.
He also reported increasing aggression towards humanitarian workers by Israeli military forces, including frequent stops at checkpoints and intrusive identification checks. Additionally, the UN has verified the killing of 572 Palestinians, including 141 children, in the West Bank since October 7, mostly by Israeli forces and settlers. Demolitions and military operations have led to significant civilian infrastructure damage, worsening public health conditions.
Despite these challenges, De Domenico noted some positive developments, such as a new educational program for 30,000 children run by UNRWA and UNICEF. However, he stressed the need for a more substantial international response to alleviate the suffering and address the growing humanitarian needs.
