Admin I Tuesday, May 21, 2024
GAZA, Palestine – The United Nations Relief Workers Agency, UNRWA, the only agency distributing relief materials in the Gaza Strip has suspended distribution of food in Rafah.
In a statement, UNRWA, which has lost 189 workers since October 7, when Israel invaded the Gaza Strip said it is suspending the distribution of food due to lack of supplies and increasing insecurity in Gaza.
“Food distributions in Rafah are currently suspended due to lack of supplies and insecurity.
“Only 7 out of 24 UNRWA health centres are operational. In the last ten days they have not received any medical supplies due to Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossing closures/disruptions”, the agency said.
Prior to suspension of the distribution, the agency said ongoing strikes by Israeli forces, encompassing aerial, land and maritime bombardment across the Gaza Strip have resulted in civilian casualties, displacement and the destruction of residential structures and essential civilian infrastructure.
“ The Israeli ground offensive continues to expand, particularly in the southern regions of Gaza City and eastern Rafah, notably around the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) and Rafah Crossings.
“Families that have been already displaced several times are on the move again due to military operations and Israeli evacuation orders. As of 19 May 2024, the estimated number of people displaced from Rafah amounts to nearly 815,000 people since 6 May, with a further 100,000 people displaced in northern Gaza.
“Most UNRWA shelters in Rafah have been vacated, with internally displaced people moving to Khan Younis and Deir Al Balah. Overall displacement numbers correlate with the UNRWA registration figures in the new locations: for example, nearly 150,000 people have registered for essential services for UNRWA in Khan Younis alone in the last ten days.
“On 18 May, the UNRWA Commissioner-General posted on his official X account (formerly known as Twitter), highlighting the dire situation facing Palestinians who have been forced to flee since the Israeli Forces started the military operation in parts of Rafah on 6 May.
“As a result of the ongoing military operation in eastern Rafah the UNRWA distribution centre and WFP warehouse, both in Rafah, are now inaccessible. Food distributions in Rafah are currently suspended due to lack of supplies and insecurity”, the agency said.
UNRWA noted that the current Israeli military operation in Rafah is directly impacting the ability of aid agencies to bring critical humanitarian supplies into Gaza.
“During this reporting period, the border crossing was only open for two days and only 48 trucks entered the Gaza Strip via Kerem Shalom and Rafah land crossings”.
