The UN raises the alarm: A Palestinian in Gaza lives on two loaves of bread a day

2023-11-04 09:54:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The UN raises the alarm: A Palestinian in Gaza lives on two loaves of bread a

An average Palestinian in Gaza is living on two pieces of bread a day, which he receives from the aid of the United Nations, said the director of the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees, Thomas White.

He said that the main calls in the streets of Gaza now are "water, water".

White, who said he had been in Gaza in recent weeks, described the country as a "scene of death and destruction."

According to him, no part is now safe, and people are afraid for their lives, future and opportunities to feed their families.

This UN agency is supporting 89 bakeries in Gaza, which are expected to supply bread to 1.7 million inhabitants, White told the diplomats of 193 UN member countries, in a meeting related to the situation in Gaza.

According to him, "now people are looking for something else. They are looking for water."

The deputy coordinator for the Middle East of the UN, Lynn Hastings, who is also the humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, has said that only one of the three supply lines from Israel are operational.

"Many people are dependent on brackish water, if it even exists," she said.

During the meeting, the UN aid chief, Martin Griffiths, said that intensive talks are underway by the authorities of Israel, Egypt, the United States and the UN, to enable the delivery of oil to Gaza.

According to him, this subject is essential for the functioning of institutions, hospitals and the distribution of water and electricity.

But White also talked about another problem.

According to him, the sewage is not being treated and is being discharged into the sea.

"Well, when you talk to the municipal workers, they tell you that when they run out of oil, sewage will spread through the streets."

According to him, more than 600,000 people are taking shelter in 149 UN centers, most of them schools, but the agency has lost contact with many of them in the northern part of Gaza, where Israel is conducting intense fighting in response to attacks by Hamas on its soil on October 7.

According to him, on average, 4,000 people living in Gaza are living in schools, without conditions to maintain hygiene.

"The conditions are depressing", as women and children are sleeping in classrooms, while men are sleeping in open spaces, he said.

White has said the UN agency cannot provide security, as five of its facilities have been hit directly, and at least 38 people have died in their shelters, including 72 UN staff members.

Griffiths has called for a humanitarian pause to get aid to the Palestinians.

He also called for the release of all hostages and the protection of civilians on both sides, as required by international law.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza has said that over 9,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. / Radio Free Europe