The Siege of Gaza’s Water

"The near complete blockade on water in Gaza is unprecedented. During times of conflict, international humanitarian law prohibits attacking or destroying “objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population,” such as water infrastructure and drinking water installations. International law also forbids depriving civilians of access to water and requires parties to conflict to allow safe passage for humanitarian relief."

Read more here: The Siege of Gaza’s Water

Photo: MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images

Countries supporting & opposing South Africa's claim that Israel is committing genocide

Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #99

On 22 January, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that Israeli forces had surrounded their ambulance headquarters in Khan Younis; restricting ambulances from providing support in the area. Reportedly, Israeli forces struck the vicinity of Al Amal hospital and the ambulance headquarters, as intense fighting continued in the area, including dozens of casualties. Patients, wounded people and an estimated 13,000 displaced people who have taken shelter in Al Amal Hospital and the PRCS headquarters were unable to leave. According to humanitarian partners on the ground, people in the vicinity and Al Kheir area east of Al Mawasi have lost access to the health facility and have no alternatives for medical assistance in the area.

Read the full report: Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #99

On 22 January, hostilities further escalated in Khan Younis. A strike reportedly hit near Al Amal hospital, but the intensity of hostilities in the vicinity prevented patients, wounded people and an estimated 13,000 displaced people taking refuge in the hospital from leaving. People outside Al Amal hospital, Khan Younis. Photo by OCHA, 19 January 2024

Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #98

At a press briefing in Geneva on 19 January, upon the conclusion of her visit to Gaza, a UNICEF Communication Specialist stated: “In the 105 days of this escalation in the Gaza Strip, nearly 20,000 babies have been born into war. That’s a baby born into this horrendous war every 10 minutes. Mothers face unimaginable challenges in accessing adequate medical care, nutrition, and protection before, during and after giving birth. Becoming a mother should be a time for celebration. In Gaza, it's another child delivered into hell. Humanity cannot allow this warped version of normal to persist any longer. Mothers and newborns need a humanitarian ceasefire.” 

Read the full report: Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel | Flash Update #98

Through humanitarian support, 15 bakeries have become operational in Gaza, but none of them is in the centre or the north. The capacity of humanitarian agencies to operate safely and effectively remains compromised by the intensity of hostilities, recurrent denials of access to areas north of Wadi Gaza, and longstanding restrictions on the import of critical equipment. Photo by WHO, 6 January 2024