Since the ceasefire began in the Gaza Strip on 19 January, UNRWA has made unparalleled progress in providing humanitarian assistance to people in need there.
The Agency’s teams, the backbone of the humanitarian operation in Gaza, have continued to work around the clock to deliver aid and provide services to a population overwhelmed by 15 months of constant bombardment, forced displacement, and lack of critical supplies.
Speaking from an UNRWA health centre in southern Gaza, Sam Rose, UNRWA acting Director of Gaza Affairs, said, “This reflects UNRWA’s commitment to supporting families in Gaza through this unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Despite every political and logistical challenge to the Agency, UNRWA remains resolute in its mission to provide essential services to families who need them now more than ever.”
In a significant milestone and close coordination with other humanitarian partners, UNRWA has now provided food assistance to 2 million people, or over 90 per cent of the population, helping to slightly improve food security. In health, UNRWA restored access to services to nearly 180,000 people in Khan Younis, Rafah, and Gaza City through the re-opening of health centres.
In addition, our team reached more than half a million people with blankets, mattresses, floor mats, clothes, cooking equipment, and tarpaulins to protect them from the rain. To support people with shelter, UNRWA has provided around 64,000 people with tents. This comes amid reports that six newborns have died from the cold weather in the Gaza Strip over the past 72 hours.
The Agency urges continued global solidarity so that the people of Gaza receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
“For the first time since the war began, UNRWA has been able to deliver aid and services at scale, reducing the suffering of 2 million people. The ceasefire must hold for all humanitarian agencies to continue these efforts. UNRWA must be supported to continue its work across the Gaza Strip” Rose concluded.
