The United Nations warns of increasingly dire conditions in Gaza amid a shortage of vital resources
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Thursday that about one million internally displaced people in Gaza are living in “increasingly miserable conditions” amid a shortage of vital resources.
The office said that Gaza is suffering from a complete power outage for the ninth day in a row, food and water supplies are dwindling, and hospitals are on the verge of collapse.
“Water production from municipal groundwater sources is less than five percent of its level before the recent crisis, and fuel shortages, insecurity and road damage have halted water trucking operations in most areas,” OCHA said.
Conditions deteriorate due to shortages of food, water and electricity
OCHA said nutritional health was deteriorating amid “extremely limited water supplies, increasing the risk of drought and leading people to consume unsafe water.”
The office also stressed that commercial stocks of basic food commodities in shops are set to last “for only a few more days.”
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that the World Food Program provides food and cash assistance every day, to help a total of 522,000 Palestinians since the beginning of the crisis.
For its part, the US Senate issued a resolution affirming support for Israel and the country’s right to self-defense, and condemning Hamas attacks on civilians.
Ninety-nine of the Senate’s 100 senators co-sponsored the resolution, and only Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky signed it, but later voted for it.
The final vote tally was 97-0, with three senators absent.
The resolution also condemns “Iran’s support, including its support for groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Jihad,” and notes that the United States “stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply or other security, diplomatic, and intelligence support needs.” “, ahead of President Joe Biden’s scheduled remarks Thursday evening calling on Congress to pass a supplemental package that includes aid to Israel.
Before the vote, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said: “The Senate will support this resolution with real, swift, and decisive action and resources.”
