The United Nations reported continued clashes in parts of Gaza, resulting in casualties and disruptions to humanitarian operations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, briefed the press at the daily press briefing.
“Our humanitarian workers report continued clashes in parts of the Gaza Strip, resulting in casualties and disruptions to humanitarian operations,” Dujarric said.
He noted that the UN and its partners contacted Israeli authorities yesterday regarding eight humanitarian aid operations in Gaza, but added that only one of these operations was facilitated, while the other seven were obstructed.
Despite all the difficulties, Dujarric explained that the UN and its partners managed to bring in 200 containers of medicine and five fuel tankers through the Kerem Shalom (Karm Abu Salem) crossing, and additional tents through the Kissufim crossing.
When asked about the number of tents distributed due to the heavy rains that struck Gaza, Dujarric explained that 500 tents had been distributed to three refugee camps in Khan Younis earlier this week before the rains, and that more than 4,000 tarpaulins and blankets had been distributed to over 1,300 families.
“However, given the scale of the needs, more is required,” Dujarric said. As a result of the heavy rains that began 10 days ago and continued yesterday, tens of thousands of old and dilapidated tents were flooded, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis caused by two years of Israeli attacks.
He noted that nearly 300,000 tents and prefabricated housing units are needed to meet even the most basic shelter needs in the Gaza Strip.
