The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the largest humanitarian provider in Gaza, issued a chilling warning that unless immediate fuel access is granted, it will be compelled to cease its operations by tonight.

Hospitals in Gaza are on the brink of collapse, facing acute shortages of fuel, water, medical supplies, and essential personnel. Fuel is now being severely rationed, primarily to support a limited number of critical facilities. The back-up generators, never designed for continuous operation, are at risk of breakdown, adding to the mounting crisis.

Dujarric's alarming report underscores the grim reality on the ground: "UN personnel visiting hospitals yesterday witnessed countless unconscious patients with open wounds, lying on beds, stretchers, and even the floor, with minimal medical assistance available."

The food situation is equally dire, with available stocks rapidly depleting. The World Food Programme estimates that the current supply of essential food in Gaza will last for a mere 12 days. However, at local shops, the available stock is projected to run out in just five days, exacerbating the distressing conditions faced by the population.

In a devastating development, people in Gaza are resorting to well water, which is dangerously high in salt content, posing immediate health risks. Health partners have also identified outbreaks of diseases such as chickenpox, scabies, and diarrhea, primarily attributed to the poor sanitation conditions and the consumption of water from unsafe sources.

The number of internally displaced individuals has surged to an estimated 1.4 million people, including 590,000 taking refuge in UNRWA-designated shelters. The situation is deteriorating rapidly, and urgent international intervention is needed to avert an impending catastrophe in Gaza. (ILKHA)