Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, provided an update during his quarterly briefing on Council Resolution 2334 (2016) which calls on Israel to cease its settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory.
He said the UN was doing its part to support the ceasefire.
The key to recovery
The truce took effect in October and is based on a plan presented by US President Donald Trump, with the country mediating alongside Egypt, Qatar and Turkey.
Speaking from Jerusalem, Alakbarov urged Israel and Hamas to fully implement the ceasefire, exercise maximum restraint and adhere to international law, including relevant UN resolutions.
“Ceasefire must be consolidated to enable recovery and reconstruction in Gaza”, he said.
The cold kills the newborn
Meanwhile, winterization efforts are underway and the UN is distributing tents, blankets and other essential supplies to the population. Conditions nevertheless remain disastrous and the risk of hypothermia increases.
“Tragically, the first hypothermia-related death of a two-week-old newborn from Khan Younis was confirmed earlier today,” he said.
He stressed that “it is essential to preserve and expand the operational space of the UN and its humanitarian partners, in particular through the renewal of the registration of NGOs”.
Shortage of drinking water
Mr. Alakbarov expressed his deep concern about the humanitarian situation in the enclave.
“Although hunger has improved thanks to increased aid and commercial food products, major sources of protein remain out of reach for most of the population.alongside serious shortages of drinking water, medical care and shelter,” he said.
As humanitarian access remains restricted and humanitarian convoys face logistical and security obstacles, he called on all parties to allow full and unhindered entry of humanitarian assistance.
Heavy rains and flooding continue
Heavy rains worsen already dire conditions facing Gaza families, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq saidbriefing journalists on Tuesday.
“Our partners report that the storm continued overnight and into today, causing severe flooding of more than 40 designated emergency shelters – mainly in Khan Younis and Gaza City,” he said.
Latest estimates indicate that some 700 tents have been damaged or otherwise affected by the floods and that thousands of people are affected.
Crews who help manage displacement sites clear blocked pipes and pump floodwaters away from shelters.
Commitment to deliver
Despite ongoing challenges, the UN and its partners are working to meet needs across the Gaza Strip.
On Monday, they coordinated nine humanitarian expeditions with Israeli authorities. Four were facilitated and three were hindered, but ultimately completed their journey.
“These missions allowed us to collect essential supplies at the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings, including food, fuel, blankets, tents and winter clothing,” Mr. Haq said.
The last two missions were hampered and only one could be partially accomplished.
Rapid response system
Mr Haq explained that humanitarians continue to provide support to affected families through a system set up for rapid and joint response to flood warnings.
It brings together UN agencies and NGOs to distribute tents, tarpaulins, warm clothing, blankets and dignity kits.
Last Saturday, partners provided some 7.5 kilos of high-energy biscuits per household to more than 1,000 families in various regions affected by the latest torrential rains.
Additionally, the distribution of veterinary kits resumed on Sunday after bad weather forced a temporary interruption.
Distributions began on December 9 and since then, 400 breeders have received kits and animal fodder.
We acknowledge The European Times for the information.
