OIC Highlights Dire Humanitarian Situation In Gaza Amidst Continuing Aggression

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) Media Observatory for Israel's Crimes against Palestinians has raised alarms over the critical situation in Gaza since mid-June 2024. The OIC Observatory identified three main factors worsening Gaza's humanitarian crisis: ongoing Israeli military aggression, extensive urban infrastructure destruction, and limited humanitarian aid.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, nearly nine months of continuous conflict have led to the destruction of 67% of Gaza's water and sanitation facilities. This widespread damage has caused the spread of infectious diseases, especially during summer, and contaminated drinking water. For instance, Khan Yunis municipality reported that 170-200 kilometers of water networks were destroyed.

The OIC Observatory noted that Israeli forces' control over Gaza and continuous military operations have severely impacted the region. Around 70% of Gaza's urban infrastructure, including essential water and sanitation networks, roads, and healthcare facilities, has been extensively damaged. This destruction has rendered most areas uninhabitable.

The humanitarian crisis is further exacerbated by restricted entry of aid, fuel, and water into Gaza. This limitation hinders recovery efforts and worsens the existing crises. The lack of regular vaccinations and medicines compounds these challenges. "Save the Children" reported that Israeli military actions have tragically resulted in the deaths of 21,000 children in the region.

The problem of drinking water in Gaza is compounded by starvation due to blocked entry of goods and aid. Palestinians have warned that 3,500 children are at risk of starvation. The daily statistics from mid-June indicate a grim reality with no imminent end in sight.

Violence in West Bank

In addition to the situation in Gaza, violence continues in the West Bank. Between June 18 and 24, 2024, Israeli forces killed five Palestinians and arrested 212 others. There were also 33 attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian cities, towns, and villages during this period.

Settlers carried out various activities aimed at establishing settlement outposts in Hebron and Nablus. They grazed sheep on Palestinian agricultural lands, burned other lands, destroyed greenhouses in Nablus, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Hebron, stole sheep from barns, and tried to obstruct aid convoys from Jordan to Gaza Strip.

Statistics Highlight Severity

The OIC Media Observatory reported that between June 18 and 24 alone, 265 Palestinians were murdered and 680 were injured. From January to June 2024, a total of 38,151 Palestinians were killed while 91,232 were injured due to ongoing conflicts.

The observatory also highlighted that settlers raided two mosques in Jericho and Hebron as well as Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem. During this period, Israeli forces committed a total of 1,576 crimes and violations against Palestinians.

It is evident that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire with significant challenges ahead for its population amidst ongoing conflict and restricted aid access.

With inputs from SPA