GENEVA: United Nations (UN) aid agencies have raised serious concerns regarding the magnitude of the ongoing operation in the West Bank town of Jenin, where ten Palestinians, including three children, have been killed. The agencies also highlighted the limited access to medical assistance due to imposed restrictions.
Expressing alarm at the situation, Vanessa Huguenin, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, stated during a briefing, “We are alarmed at the scale of air and ground operations that are taking place in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, and airstrikes hitting a densely populated refugee camp.” The spokesperson did not provide specific details regarding the casualties of the ongoing raid.
Christian Lindmeier, spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), further emphasized the restricted access to essential medical aid in Jenin. Lindmeier revealed, “First responders have been prevented from entering the (Jenin) refugee camp, including to reach persons who have been critically injured,” referring to the limitations imposed by Israeli forces.
UN Agencies’ Concerns Over Jenin Situation
The UN agencies’ concerns reflect the urgency of the situation unfolding in Jenin, where the combination of extensive military operations and the scarcity of medical assistance raises fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis. The densely populated refugee camp being targeted by airstrikes heightens the potential for civilian casualties and exacerbates the already dire conditions faced by the local population.
The UN has called for immediate action to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid and medical personnel in Jenin. The agencies have urged all parties involved to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, which includes ensuring the protection and well-being of civilians in conflict zones.
