The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen as conflict and violence have left the region devastated. Senior Communications Officer with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, Ms. Wateridge, shared her firsthand account of the dire situation in Gaza after returning to the area following recent hostilities.
Ms. Wateridge described the harrowing conditions in Gaza, stating, “You can hear bombardments from the north, the middle and the south…Gaza now really is hell on earth. It’s very hot…Trash is piling up everywhere, people living under plastic sheeting where temperatures soar.” The destruction and devastation caused by the conflict were evident as Ms. Wateridge traveled through the region.
Upon arriving in Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, Ms. Wateridge was shocked by the extent of the damage in nearby Rafah. The city had been her base during her previous visit, and she noted that it was now “destroyed.” The impact of the conflict was visible as she traveled north to central Gaza, where she is now stationed.
Ms. Wateridge described the scene in Khan Younis as “shocking,” noting that the city had become a ghost town due to the widespread destruction. Many families were living in the empty shells of destroyed buildings, using blankets or plastic sheeting as makeshift shelter. The devastation caused by the conflict was evident throughout the region, with walls blown out and buildings reduced to rubble.
Reports of lawlessness and looting further highlighted the breakdown of order in Gaza. Ms. Wateridge witnessed armed men looting aid trucks and described the road as “full of looters” upon her arrival. The ongoing conflict and destruction have left many residents desperate for basic necessities, resorting to extreme measures to survive.
The damage inflicted on UN facilities in Gaza was extensive, with every single UNRWA facility being significantly damaged or destroyed. Schools, warehouses, and food distribution centers were all affected, with bullet holes, blown-out walls, and collapsed floors creating a scene of devastation. Despite being protected by international law, UN buildings in Gaza were not spared from the destruction wrought by the conflict.
The limited access to fuel in Gaza has further hampered humanitarian efforts, with only 14% of the fuel that used to enter the region on a monthly basis prior to October 2023 now being allowed in. This severe restriction has impeded aid operations and made it difficult for humanitarian workers to provide assistance to those in need.
Ms. Wateridge emphasized the challenges faced by aid workers in Gaza, stating, “We have no fuel so we cannot go anywhere – all humanitarians.” The ongoing conflict and destruction have created a dire situation in Gaza, with residents struggling to survive amidst the devastation.
The international community must come together to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and provide much-needed support to the region. As the conflict continues to escalate, the need for humanitarian assistance is more urgent than ever. It is crucial that efforts are made to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict and work towards a lasting peace in Gaza.
