Israel may invade Gaza, UN warns of disaster

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 11: As Gaza prepares for a possible Israeli ground invasion, the top UN humanitarian official on Tuesday urged to stop the rising violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, warning that “the whole region is on the verge of a disaster.” In a statement, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said the magnitude and speed of the crisis was “horrifying”.

Meanwhile, Israel has mobilized an unprecedented 300,000 reservists after cutting off food and fuel to Gaza. However, experts say the potential risk of a ground operation in one of the world’s most crowded areas comes with a very high price. On their part, UN agencies have been working non-stop since Hamas launched an attack on Israel four days ago, triggering intense strikes by Israel and a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip He said hundreds of Israelis have died and thousands wounded.

Many are also being held hostage “facing terrible threats to their lives.” Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians have died and thousands injured in heavy bombing in Gaza. He noted that homes, health centres and schools hosting displaced families have been hit. “My message to all parties is clear: The laws of war must be respected,” he said “Those held captive must be treated with dignity. Hostages must be freed without delay,” Griffiths emphasized the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

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“Civilians must be allowed to move to

“Civilians must be allowed to move to safer areas. And humanitarian aid and essential services and supplies to Gaza must not be blocked,” he said. The World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday started an operation to provide vital food assistance to more than 800,000 people in Gaza and the West Bank. WFP called for creating humanitarian corridors to facilitate the entry of aid and humanitarian assistance into Gaza while appealing for safe and unhindered passage for its staff and essential commodities. More than two million people live in the enclave and at least 200,000 have been displaced.

Most are now staying in schools run by the UN agency that helps Palestine refugees, UNRWA. The agency urgently needs access and funding to reach those in need and is seeking $17.3 million in the next four weeks to address this critical situation. UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lynn Hastings, said Israel had stopped the water supply to Gaza, which was already facing a shortage. Access to electricity, food, and fuel has also been cut off, worsening the already dire humanitarian situation resulting from more than 15 years of blockade. Electricity is now only available for about four hours a day, which affects the ability of health facilities to function and treat those injured.

“The United Nations and its humanitarian partners in the Occupied Palestinian Territory are working to meet acute needs, especially shelter, in dangerous conditions. However, access for humanitarian staff and supplies into Gaza has also been stopped and the intensity of the hostilities is limiting the ability of staff to deliver aid,” she said.