Emergency Relief Coordinator visits Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths has commenced a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In a social media post earlier today, Mr. Griffiths said Palestinian and Israeli civilians have suffered enough, and appealed to all parties to free the hostages; protect civilians wherever they are; swiftly allow the delivery of aid, safely and at scale; and respect international humanitarian law.

Mr. Griffiths said he will hold discussions with the leadership of both parties on how to ramp up the humanitarian response.

In Jerusalem today, he met with family members of some of the 230 Israelis who have been held hostage since 7 October. Mr. Griffiths said those families have been living in agony for the past three weeks, not knowing if their loved ones are dead or alive.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that yesterday, at least 33 trucks* carrying water, food and medical supplies entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt. This is the largest delivery of humanitarian aid since 21 October, when limited deliveries resumed.

While this increase is welcome, a much larger volume of aid is needed on a regular basis to prevent further deterioration in the dire humanitarian situation, including civil unrest. In particular, entry of fuel to operate medical equipment and water and sanitation facilities is urgently required.

Meanwhile, the cumulative number of internally displaced people since the start of hostilities in Gaza is estimated at over 1.4 million, including more than 670,000 people staying in 150 UNRWA facilities.

Over the weekend, the vicinities of Shifa and Al Quds hospitals in Gaza city and of the Indonesian hospital in northern Gaza were reportedly bombarded, causing damage. This followed renewed calls by the Israeli military to evacuate these facilities immediately. All 13 hospitals still operational in Gaza city and northern Gaza have received repeated evacuation orders in recent days.

* This number is set to be updated following the confirmation of additional information. The latest confirmed figures are in our Flash Updates.