UN agencies lose contact with staff in Gaza amid escalating israeli aggression

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have reported losing contact with their personnel and partners in Gaza due to a cutoff in telecommunications amid the escalating conflict.

Ekleme: 28.10.2023 14:41:46 / Güncelleme: 28.10.2023 14:41:46 / English News
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WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern, emphasizing the dangers faced by health workers and vulnerable patients due to the severed communications. Tedros urged immediate protection for civilians and called for full humanitarian access in the region.

Similarly, UNICEF's executive director, Catherine Russell, voiced extreme worry about the safety of their colleagues, highlighting the distressing situation faced by over 1 million children in Gaza. She stressed the necessity to safeguard all humanitarian workers and the families they serve.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed the grave concerns, stating that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is on the brink of a catastrophic collapse, with dire consequences for more than 2 million civilians. Guterres stressed the urgent need for essential supplies like food, water, medicine, and fuel to reach civilians promptly and safely.

The conflict escalated further as the zionist army announced an expansion of ground activities in the Gaza Strip, signaling a potential ground operation. The Palestine Telecommunications Company reported the complete disruption of communications and internet services in Gaza due to heavy Israeli bombardment of crucial infrastructure.

The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, initiating rocket launches and infiltrations into the zionist entity. Hamas cited retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased violence by israeli settlers against Palestinians. In response, the Israeli military conducted a relentless bombardment of Hamas targets in Gaza.

Amid the escalating violence, Gaza's 2.3 million residents are facing severe shortages of essential supplies, despite limited aid convoys reaching the region. Official figures suggest a significant loss of life, with over 8,800 individuals killed, predominantly Palestinians, and a high percentage of women and children among the casualties.

The situation in Gaza remains extremely precarious, with urgent calls for humanitarian aid, protection for civilians, and the need for immediate de-escalation to prevent further loss of life and suffering. (ILKHA)