Humanitarians underscore need for urgent and sustained support in Gaza
2025-02-17 12:00
Gaza, 17 February 2025 – Humanitarians today called for urgent and sustained support to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, where years of conflict, blockade and economic decline have left millions of people in need of assistance.
“The situation in Gaza is dire,” said the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, Mr. Jamie McGoldrick. “Years of conflict and blockade have devastated the economy, leaving more than 80 per cent of the population dependent on humanitarian aid.”
“We are particularly concerned about the impact of the blockade on the health sector,” Mr. McGoldrick added. “Essential medicines and equipment are in short supply, and hospitals are struggling to provide basic services.”
In addition to the health crisis, Gaza is also facing a severe water and sanitation crisis. The coastal aquifer, which is the main source of water for Gaza’s 2.3 million people, is contaminated with sewage and seawater. This has led to a sharp increase in waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea and typhoid.
“The water and sanitation crisis is a major threat to public health,” said the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Gaza, Dr. Gerald Rockenschaub. “We are working with partners to improve access to safe water and sanitation, but more needs to be done.”
Humanitarians are also concerned about the deteriorating mental health of Gaza’s population. Years of conflict and economic hardship have taken a heavy toll on people’s mental well-being.
“The mental health situation in Gaza is alarming,” said the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza, Mr. Matthias Schmale. “We are seeing a sharp increase in cases of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
“We need urgent and sustained support to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” Mr. McGoldrick said. “The international community must work together to lift the blockade, provide essential services and support the people of Gaza to rebuild their lives.”
ENDS
Media contacts
OCHA oPt Ms. Vanessa Huguenin Head of Communications +972 (0)54 335 6735 hugueninv@un.org
WHO oPt Ms. Hala Aqeel Communications Officer +972 (0)59 944 1622 aqeelh@who.int
UNRWA Mr. Adnan Abu Hasna Spokesperson +972 (0)59 942 8015 abu-hasnaa@unrwa.org
Humanitarians underscore need for urgent and sustained support in Gaza
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