Hostilities, aid blockade take toll on Gaza civilians: UN

IANS April 11, 2025 171 views

The United Nations has raised urgent alarms about the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Israeli military strikes continue to claim civilian lives. More than 1,500 people have been killed, with a significant number being women and children, while critical aid remains blocked. Over 60,000 children are suffering from malnutrition, and basic necessities like water and medical supplies are rapidly depleting. The ongoing conflict has created a dire public health emergency with widespread displacement and limited access to life-saving resources.

"Just yesterday (Wednesday) in Gaza City, there were reports of dozens of people killed, including at least eight children" - UN OCHA
United Nations, April 11: Israeli attacks in Gaza are taking a horrifying toll on civilians already suffering dwindling food supplies and looting due to the aid blockade, UN humanitarians said.

Key Points

1

Over 1,500 civilians killed in recent hostilities

2

60,000 children suffering malnutrition

3

Aid blockade causing severe humanitarian emergency

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Thursday that there have been daily reports of Israeli strikes killing and injuring many Palestinian civilians, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Just yesterday (Wednesday) in Gaza City, there were reports of dozens of people killed, including at least eight children, after an Israeli strike hit a residential building," OCHA said. "Many are still missing under the rubble."

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that more than 1,500 people reportedly were killed, many of them women and children, since the intensification of hostilities less than a month ago.

The office said the hostilities and continued blocking of cargo entry into Gaza for almost six weeks are hampering people's access to life-saving aid.

"As supplies inside the Strip near exhaustion and the situation becomes increasingly dire, there has been an increase in looting over the past few days," OCHA said. Earlier this week, several such incidents were reported in Rafah, Deir al Balah and Al Zawaida.

OCHA reiterated the urgency of reopening the crossings to allow critical supplies to enter.

More than 60,000 children are reportedly suffering from malnutrition at a time when community kitchens are rapidly running out of fuel and supplies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it has been able to support some medical evacuations from Gaza. On Wednesday, 18 patients and nearly 30 companions were allowed to leave for specialised treatment abroad.

However, with some 12,500 patients in Gaza still in need of medical evacuation outside the strip, WHO called for evacuations through all available border crossings and corridors.

Across Gaza, OCHA said its partners are warning of acute water shortages in shelters hosting displaced people. The loss of water, the lack of cleaning supplies and cohabitation with livestock are having a dire public health impact. In March, more than one-third of households in Gaza experienced lice infestations.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah K.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 The numbers of children affected by malnutrition and violence is staggering. When will the international community step up to protect innocent civilians?
M
Michael T.
While I sympathize with civilians caught in the conflict, I wish the UN report would also address why the aid blockade exists in the first place. There are complex security concerns on both sides that need consideration.
A
Aisha R.
The lice infestations and water shortages show how quickly public health collapses in these conditions. We're watching a humanitarian disaster unfold in real time. Where is the global response??
J
James L.
I appreciate the UN's reporting but I wish they'd provide more context about how aid is being distributed once it enters Gaza. There are legitimate concerns about aid diversion that complicate the situation.
L
Layla H.
Eight children in one strike... how can this keep happening? The world needs to demand an immediate ceasefire and full humanitarian access. Those poor families 😢
D
David P.
The medical evacuation numbers are shocking - 12,500 patients needing care with only 18 getting out? The international medical community should be organizing emergency field hospitals at the borders.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Gaza Conflict UN Humanitarian Report Israeli Strikes Civilian Casualties Humanitarian Crisis
You May Like!