United Nations Faces Fuel Depletion in Gaza Amid Closure of Border Crossings
Gaza, The Gulf Observer: In the wake of Israel’s closure of vital crossing points into Gaza, a senior United Nations humanitarian official has issued a dire warning regarding the impending humanitarian crisis facing the territory. Andrea De Domenico, the head of the UN’s humanitarian office in the Palestinian territories, revealed that critical diesel fuel, essential for pumping drinking water, maintaining communications, and delivering aid, is rapidly depleting. Additionally, existing food supplies in the southern region are projected to be exhausted by week’s end, exacerbating an already dire situation.
The recent military operation and evacuation directive issued by Israel in Rafah have resulted in the forced displacement of tens of thousands of individuals, as highlighted by De Domenico. The designated relocation area lacks basic amenities such as sanitation facilities, water access points, shelter, and healthcare services, posing significant challenges to the displaced population.
Despite the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, De Domenico emphasized that Israeli authorities are not directly providing essential services on the ground, instead seeking collaboration with humanitarian partners. However, without the timely arrival of critical supplies and fuel for transportation, improving conditions in the relocated areas remains an insurmountable challenge.
The situation is particularly dire for Gaza’s bakeries, which rely on fuel supplies to operate. Deprived of fuel and additional flour, sixteen bakeries supported by the UN World Food Program face imminent suspension of operations, further exacerbating food insecurity in the region.
Moreover, the interruption of supplemental nutrition supplies jeopardizes the treatment of over 3,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition, while the functionality of three major hospitals hangs in the balance without adequate provisions.
As the humanitarian crisis escalates, urgent action is imperative to address the immediate needs of the vulnerable population in Gaza and mitigate the potentially catastrophic consequences of continued fuel and supply shortages.
