UNRWA Warns of Dire Hygiene Crisis in Gaza Amid Israeli Bombing Campaign

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is sounding the alarm over the rapidly deteriorating hygiene conditions in the Gaza Strip, as Israel's relentless bombing campaign continues to ravage the isolated and densely populated enclave. The ongoing military assault, which began on October 7, 2023, has not only claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians but has also severely hindered access to vital services, including clean water, medical supplies, and debris removal.

Why this matters: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has far-reaching implications for regional stability and global efforts to address displacement, poverty, and health crises. If left unchecked, the situation could lead to a catastrophic outbreak of diseases, further destabilizing the region and putting a strain on international resources.

The conflict has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with at least 34,568 Palestinians killed and 77,765 injured as of May 1, 2024. Tragically, two-thirds of the casualties are women and children. The Israeli military operation has also displaced over 2 million individuals and caused extensive damage to Gaza's already fragile situation, occupied infrastructure, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

With summer fast approaching, UNRWA warns that thesanitation situationin Gaza is reaching alarming levels. The destruction of critical waste management infrastructure has led to the accumulation of refuse, creating a breeding ground for disease. UN Wateridge, emphasizing the agency's vital role in addressing the unfolding crisis, stated, "UNRWA is not only the backbone of the humanitarian operation in the Gaza Strip but also the glue that holds it together."

The conflict has also precipitated a severe healthcare crisis in Gaza, with the World Health Organization (WHO) documenting 443 attacks on medical facilities since the start of the offensive. These assaults have claimed the lives of 723 individuals, injured 924 others, and damaged 101 healthcare centers and 106 ambulances. The destruction of critical medical infrastructure, coupled with the scarcity of vital medicines and supplies, has left the population increasingly vulnerable to communicable diseases, particularly among children.

The education sector in Gaza has also been brought to a standstill, with schools and universities forced to close their doors because of the ongoing violence and the risk of unexploded ordnance. Charles Birch, Chief of the UNMAS Mine Action Programme, warns,"The risk of exposure to unexploded ordnance is now at its most dangerous stage... Once people start returning to the north, that's when most accidents will occur because they will not be familiar with where unexploded ordnance is located."

Compounding the crisis, Gaza's population is struggling to cope with a severe food shortage, with the risk of famine threatening to escalate. The conflict has disrupted agricultural activities and supply chains, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Despite the challenges, UNRWA remains committed to providing lifesaving assistance to those in need, working in collaboration with the WHO and other humanitarian partners.

The international community has begun to mobilize support for UNRWA's efforts, with countries such as Algeria pledging $15 million to aid the agency's response. However, the scale of the humanitarian crisis remains daunting, with an estimated $1.2 billion required to deliver vital services amid the ongoing hostilities. Martin Griffiths, Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, warns,"A ground operation would deal a disastrous blow for agencies struggling to provide humanitarian aid... and would bring even more trauma and death for the hundreds of thousands of people who have fled to Gaza's southernmost point to escape disease, famine, mass graves, and direct fighting."

The toll on the civilian population in Gaza continues to mount as theconflict rageson. Over 200 humanitarian workers, including more than 175 UN employees, have been killed in the first six months of the conflict. The international community must act swiftly and decisively to support UNRWA and other humanitarian organizations in their efforts to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire. Martin Griffiths aptly stated, the world cannot stand idly by while the people of Gaza face a severe hygiene crisis, compounded by the devastation of war.

Key Takeaways

• UNRWA warns of catastrophic disease outbreak in Gaza due to deteriorating hygiene conditions.
• 34,568 Palestinians killed, 77,765 injured, and 2 million displaced since October 7, 2023.
• 443 attacks on medical facilities, 723 killed, and 924 injured in healthcare crisis.
• Gaza faces severe food shortage, with risk of famine threatening to escalate.
• $1.2 billion needed to deliver vital services amid ongoing hostilities.