GAZA/NEW YORK – The United Nations has issued a stark warning that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire despite the ceasefire, appealing for more cooperation from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to address the widespread devastation.
According to Arab media, Ramez Alakbarov, the UN Deputy Coordinator for Aid Distribution in the occupied Palestinian territories, confirmed that 24,000 metric tons of aid have entered Gaza since the truce began.
However, he emphasized that this aid is insufficient given the scale of the crisis. “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is still severe because basic infrastructure and homes have been reduced to rubble, and thousands of people were killed in this war,” Alakbarov stated.
The UN estimates that at least 1.5 million people in Gaza are in immediate need of assistance.
Alakbarov noted some progress, stating that UNICEF has begun operating 15 OPD (Out-Patient Department) sites to provide medical treatment to civilians, eight of which are active in the heavily damaged northern Gaza.
He highlighted a major bottleneck in the relief effort, saying, “The registration of non-governmental organizations to work in Gaza remains a problem.” He stressed that the aid distribution operation will only improve when more NGOs are able to participate.
