He describes a civilian population engulfed by destruction, desperation and despair. People here are living in constant fear amid the looming threat of an Israeli ground operation.
“Famine is a growing threat here, as millions of trapped people face a nightmare of violence and starvation,” said Jan Egeland.
He reports that the children of Gaza are visibly malnourished, reduced to searching the streets for food and assistance.
“It is unimaginable that an entire population is left to starve while vast amounts of supplies sit waiting just a few miles away across the border.”
Life-saving supplies are being intentionally blocked, and women and children are paying the price. Even if all the aid that is at the border awaiting entry gets through, there is not enough to meet the growing needs of the population in Gaza. More assistance is needed.
When supplies get through, NRC is there to ensure it reaches the people who need it. We are delivering shelter assistance at 12 collective sites in Rafah. We are also offering cash aid and distributing basic items like blankets and mattresses for displaced people.
We will continue this work – and are not able to do it alone.