NEW YORK, November 15, 2024 (WAFA) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned that there has been a chronic shortage of humanitarian aid in Gaza throughout the ongoing Israeli assault, which has been gonging on for 13 months.

UNRWA spokesperson Louise Wateridge emphasized that the living conditions for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have become unbearable.

In a statement on Friday, Wateridge said, "Simply put, there has not been enough humanitarian assistance in Gaza—not just in the last few days or weeks, but throughout the entire 13-month duration of this brutal Israeli war."

She described the daily struggles of Gaza's population, highlighting the dire lack of basic necessities, saying, "We are surrounded every day by people asking for pieces of bread, trying to reach water."

The UNRWA spokesperson stressed that the situation faced by Palestinians in Gaza was "unbearable," with many enduring hunger and severe shortages of essential supplies due to the ongoing Israeli blockade.

International and UN organizations have recently warned that famine could be officially declared in northern Gaza, as the Israeli siege continues to prevent the delivery of food, water, and medicine to the region.

In recent weeks, a significant crisis has emerged in central and southern Gaza, as flour and basic commodities have run out in markets and homes. Palestinians have been forced to use expired flour to feed their families and search for unhealthy alternatives.

The lack of access to clean food and water has worsened the situation, with growing concerns about the spread of disease and malnutrition.

Since the start of Israel's military ground invasion on October 27, 2023, Gaza’s residents have been subjected to a complete siege, with food, water, medicine, and fuel supplies severely restricted. This has led to a humanitarian disaster, causing the deaths of many children and elderly individuals due to malnutrition and lack of medical care.

M.N