Thomas White, the Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza, has disclosed that 40% of the population in the region is on the brink of famine.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) raises concerns about rising infectious diseases like upper respiratory infections (180,000 cases) and diarrhea (136,400 cases) attributed to the lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

The situation is further exacerbated by the internal displacement of 85% of Gaza's population (approximately 1.9 million people), leading to cramped living conditions and disease outbreaks.

Heartbreaking reports from Gaza depict scenes of mothers unable to breastfeed due to malnutrition, children queuing for scarce food amid unsanitary conditions, and people resorting to consuming weeds to survive.

The relentless İsraeli bombardment has displaced an estimated 100,000 people to the congested city of Rafah, and the death toll continues to rise, with over 21,507 casualties, mostly women and children.

Despite the dire situation, efforts are underway to alleviate the suffering. Egypt spearheads ceasefire negotiations, UNICEF delivers 600,000 vaccines, and aid convoys carrying food and medicine enter Gaza. However, these measures remain insufficient.

The UNRWA's announcement serves as a stark reminder of the urgency to address the unfolding crisis in Gaza. The international community must come together to significantly increase humanitarian aid and support efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire. The lives and well-being of millions of Gazans depend on immediate and decisive action. (ILKHA)