Hastings emphasized the distressing situation, highlighting that approximately 690,000 people have sought refuge in UNWRA facilities, hospitals, churches, and schools, as they hope to find safety amidst the ongoing turmoil. "Nowhere is truly safe," she asserted during a press briefing.

The toll of the conflict is staggering, with close to 9,000 fatalities and more than 22,000 injuries in Gaza, as reported by the Ministry of Health. Notably, Hastings highlighted that over two-thirds of these casualties are estimated to be women and children.

Hastings emphasized that meeting the needs of Gaza's entire population and 500,000 individuals in the occupied West Bank until the year's end requires an estimated $1.2 billion.

UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator Martin Griffiths acknowledged "some progress" in negotiations to allow more fuel into Gaza. He expressed hope for confirmation of this decision on Friday, emphasizing the critical role of fuel in sustaining essential services, such as hospitals, water distribution, and electricity.

Griffiths stressed the necessity for "pauses" in the conflict to adequately address the needs of Gaza's population, indicating that sustained conflicts would hinder these efforts. He also acknowledged the impact on both Gazans and Israelis in conflict-affected areas.

The Gaza Strip has faced intensified air and ground attacks from the Israeli army since the surprise offensive by Hamas on October 7, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region. (ILKHA)