Brussels - Gaza: Europe and the Arabs
For the fourth week in a row, the global failure continues to persuade or force Israel to achieve a humanitarian truce to stop the bombing and killing operations against civilians in the occupied territories until the required relief and aid is delivered, whether in terms of food, fuel or water. How can this happen when the countries of the world are still repeating the same famous phrase? “Israel has the right to defend itself.” A few days ago, the United Nations timidly contented itself with issuing a resolution “calling” for a humanitarian truce. The resolution that was issued last week by a majority of 120 members was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and calls for an immediate, permanent and sustainable humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities. Providing basic goods and services to civilians throughout Gaza “immediately” and without hindrance
Yesterday, the United Nations spokesman quoted the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, as calling on the warring parties to agree on a truce. This came after the Secretary-General welcomed the continued movement of people and humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. The United Nations stressed the importance of regular and continuous relief flows of a size that meets the growing needs of the population of Gaza.
United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that the Rafah crossing was opened yesterday to evacuate about 80 sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza to receive treatment in Egypt, in addition to the departure of a number of foreign passport holders and for rotation among United Nations employees. He stated that the reports he received indicate that that day also continues.
The spokesman said that all of this is an important step on the right path that must be built upon. Dujarric stated that 10 trucks carrying water, food and medicine supplies entered Gaza on Wednesday via Rafah, bringing the total number of trucks to 227 since October 21. He added that fuel delivery is still prohibited.
He stressed the United Nations' commitment to continuing its intensive work with all parties to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable in Gaza. Martin Griffiths, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, was quoted as calling on the warring parties to agree on a truce.
Griffiths added that this is the only possible option to bring relief materials into Gaza at the present time to alleviate people's suffering and reduce the risk of chaos.
A United Nations spokesman said that reports indicate that the Turkish Friendship Hospital in Gaza City ran out of fuel yesterday, forcing it to stop most of its activities, exposing 70 cancer patients to serious risks.
At the same time, communications and internet services were cut off in Gaza for about 8 hours on Wednesday, leaving civilians in serious danger in light of the fierce Israeli bombardment from the air and land.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that about 690,000 displaced people are taking shelter in 149 facilities affiliated with the agency across Gaza. About 160,000 reside in 57 UNRWA shelters in Gaza City and the northern part of the Strip, and UNRWA is unable to provide services to the displaced in these areas.
UNRWA is the largest United Nations agency providing humanitarian support in Gaza. The agency still needs $100 million to continue its operations during the current year, including paying the salaries of its employees in Gaza.
The United Nations spokesman said that UNRWA lacks an estimated two months of salaries for 28,000 employees in Gaza and the West Bank.