One Month Into A Fragile Ceasefire In Gaza The Situation Remains Desperate

One month into a fragile ceasefire that has taken effect in the Gaza Strip, Palestinians continue to face tremendous hardship, says Caroline Seguin, MSF Emergency Coordinator in Gaza.

“One month into this fragile ceasefire, the situation in Gaza remains desperate. Palestinians are still being killed and injured by Israeli forces almost every day in the areas close to the yellow line, behind which Israel maintains control. Palestinians often risk their lives by going back to look for their houses - as this line is still not always clearly marked. To make matters worse, some main hospitals are in areas controlled by Israeli forces, which means safe access to healthcare is reduced.

The Israeli authorities continue to impose significant restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza. MSF and other organisations are struggling to bring vital aid into Gaza, especially medical equipment, shelters, hygiene items, and spare parts for vital infrastructure.

The needs are tremendous; people are suffering and it’s entirely avoidable.

Living conditions in Gaza remain appalling. After being forcibly displaced repeatedly, many Palestinians are still living in makeshift tents and without access to running water and electricity, next to piles of rubbish and overflowing sewage. We see people’s health affected by these dire conditions, causing respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal infections. Winter is coming soon, with temperatures dropping and heavy rains and wind expected.

The Israeli authorities must immediately allow a massive scale up of unimpeded humanitarian assistance into Gaza.”

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