GAZA CITY: As the Israeli bombardments continued to ravage the Gaza Strip, UN Humanitarian Office (OCHA) spokesperson Jens Laerke has warned that the besieged enclave’s essential services are on the brink of collapse due to falling fuel supplies. Laerke revealed that none of the 569 aid trucks that managed to reach the enclave carried fuel, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Last week, UN aid chief Martin Griffiths acknowledged “some progress” in negotiations concerning fuel deliveries to the besieged Gaza Strip. However, the situation on the ground remains dire, with World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson Christian Lindmeier highlighting the dire consequences of the fuel shortage. “More and more facilities are closing down, and life-saving resources are diminishing,” Lindmeier emphasized. He stressed the urgent need for immediate intervention.
Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo condemned the Israeli attacks on innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza as disproportionate. Speaking after a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah in Brussels, De Croo criticized the bombing of a refugee camp, stating, “It is never acceptable that so many civilian casualties are caused trying to eliminate one person.” He stressed the importance of protecting civilians and civilian places, urging Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law.
More Than 16 Health Workers Died on Duty in Gaza: WHO
Meanwhile, the conflict has taken a toll on healthcare workers in Gaza, with over 16 medical professionals losing their lives while on duty, according to the World Health Organization. Medical aid is also facing severe restrictions, leading doctors to perform surgeries, including amputations, without anesthesia due to the lack of supplies.
Meanwhile, in diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing crisis, China’s special envoy for Middle East issues, Zhai Jun, held discussions with US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. Both diplomats exchanged views on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, underscoring the need for international cooperation to find a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions in the region.
