Gaza strip: The UN and its humanitarian partners called on world leaders to uphold international law, protect civilians, and leverage their influence to ensure the lifting of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian access. Facing critical challenges, they remain in Gaza, committed to delivering life-saving aid where possible.
According to Emirates News Agency, humanitarian partners are reporting significant psychosocial distress among children repeatedly displaced. The scarcity of supplies for child protection and psychosocial support is alarming, with no new supplies having entered since early March.
Daniela Gross, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, reported that an Israeli air strike targeted a makeshift site for internally displaced people near a UN facility in Deir al Balah. The site, sheltering approximately 200 families, received a short-notice warning from the Israeli military and was evacuated before the strike. Though no casualties were reported, many shelters and belongings were damaged or destroyed.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) emphasized that the coordinates of UN premises in Gaza have been shared with relevant parties, stressing that these locations, like all civilian sites, must be safeguarded.
OCHA reiterated the importance of protecting civilians, including those who cannot or choose not to move, as well as humanitarian workers. It underscored that humanitarian facilities and other civilian infrastructure should not be targeted or used to shield military objectives.
Hunger and malnutrition among children in Gaza are worsening. UNICEF reported that July was the deadliest month for child malnutrition deaths in Gaza, with 24 children under five reportedly dying, comprising 85% of this year's total. The agency further noted that all 320,000 children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition, leading to increased illness and long-term health risks.