UN: Regional Tensions Divert Attention from the Serious Situation in Gaza

SadaNews - The spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Olga Cherivko, warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East have led to a decline in the international community's focus on Gaza, emphasizing that the humanitarian situation in the enclave remains "extremely serious" despite the ceasefire.

Cherivko explained in a press interview on Sunday that regional developments, including the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, have contributed to shifting attention away from Gaza, noting that this decline began even after the ceasefire agreement came into effect.

In addition to the daily bloody bombardments, Israel is blocking the agreed quantities of food, medicine, medical supplies, and shelter materials from entering Gaza, where about 2.4 million Palestinians, including 1.5 million displaced individuals, are living in catastrophic conditions.

Cherivko confirmed that living conditions in the enclave are "extremely difficult" as the majority of Gaza's residents have been displaced from their homes, with thousands continuing to live in displacement camps and among the rubble.

She explained that the region still witnesses "almost daily attacks and shelling, while people live in a state of constant fear."

She pointed out that "humanitarian access remains limited," as more than half of the area of the enclave is inaccessible due to the presence of Israeli forces.

She said: "Despite efforts, only about 42 percent of health facilities are operational, and most are operating partially."

Cherivko confirmed that the Israeli restrictions imposed on crossings hinder the entry of equipment and materials necessary for rehabilitating the health system.

She added that the World Health Organization is working to facilitate medical evacuations for patients, stating: "However, these evacuations remain complicated."

She noted that Israeli restrictions also prevent international humanitarian workers from entering Gaza, warning that any further disruption to humanitarian operations could have "devastating consequences" for Palestinian residents.