The United Nations has warned that continuing Israeli attacks on Gaza are increasing humanitarian needs among Palestinians, cautioning that military operations continue to endanger civilians in the Palestinian enclave.
In its latest update, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Israeli fire, bombardment and fire from the sea have caused civilian casualties since Friday. OCHA repeated that, under international humanitarian law, civilians and non-military infrastructure must be protected in all circumstances.
More Than 1,000 Explosives Found
OCHA highlighted the continuing danger posed by unexploded ordnance and other war remnants for the population of Gaza. Organizations working with the UN on explosive-risk management have identified and marked more than 1,000 munitions and other explosive objects across the Gaza Strip since the war began, according to OCHA.
Groups tasked with teaching residents how to recognize and report dangerous explosive objects carried out awareness activities this month alone that reached a total of 63,000 participants, OCHA said. It said training the population is considered critical, since unexploded munitions and other explosive remnants remain a danger for families moving through areas hit by military operations.
Call for Equipment and Supplies
In the same update, the UN stressed the need to allow essential supplies and specialized equipment into Gaza. OCHA said access to these resources is necessary so humanitarian organizations can expand life-saving services and respond to the population's growing needs.
The new UN warning comes as continuing military operations, civilian casualties and the dangers posed by explosive remnants further strain the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, according to OCHA.
