People on the ground are saying they are not interested in debating governance models for Gaza. What they care about is how their humanitarian needs can be met. They say they’re unable to cope with the current humanitarian calamity that is escalating, compounded by the harsh winter conditions. They say their needs are massive, with the situation on the ground marked by severe shortages in terms of critical services, education and humanitarian needs. Gaza needs thousands of tents and houses to shelter those families who have been left stranded after the destruction of their homes. They are living among mountains of rubble that will take years to be removed. They are watching closely as the Israeli military is still procrastinating over the entry of what is needed. This has been a major source of frustration and disappointment. People in Gaza say it is a ceasefire in name only, and as long as there is procrastination in meeting these needs, the humanitarian situation will continue to deteriorate rapidly despite the powerful statements put out by NGOs and UN actors.
UN chief condemns Israel’s closure of UNRWA health centre in East Jerusalem
The UN secretary-general has strongly condemned Israel’s entry into a UN facility in occupied East Jerusalem and the temporary closure of a key health centre run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. In a statement, Guterres said Israeli authorities “unlawfully” entered the UNRWA Jerusalem Health Centre on January 12, ordering it shut. The facility provides primary healthcare to hundreds of Palestinian refugees each day and is, for many, their only access to medical services, the statement added. Guterres said he had raised “grave concerns” directly with Israel’s PM and alerted the UN General Assembly and Security Council. He also warned that UNRWA had been informed that electricity and water supplies to several of its facilities in occupied East Jerusalem could soon be cut.
Ongoing Israeli attacks bring widespread anxiety in Gaza
The past 24 hours have been exceptionally intense. What was supposed to be a transition into phase two of the ceasefire agreement has instead been marked by a sharp escalation with a series of air attacks on homes. At least 10 Palestinians have been reported killed. We understand two homes were destroyed in western Deir el-Balah, an area that was designated a so-called safe zone. A third was struck in the Nuseirat refugee camp. What stands out in such Israeli attacks is a military tactic rooted in ambiguity, both in timing and justification. Despite Israel reporting no attacks on its soldiers over the past 24 hours, these air attacks have continued. This morning, there has been a remarkable activation of Israeli drones and movement of Israeli naval warships close to the shore. We have been hearing from people that the noise of Israeli drones and the unbearable level of anxiety they bring have kept them awake through the night, along with the questions that remain unanswered around the sustainability of the ceasefire.