UNRWA: Israeli Blockade Since March 2nd Devastates Gaza Children, Depriving Them of Water, Food, and Medical Care

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported on Wednesday that the ongoing Israeli blockade, initiated on March 2, is having a devastating impact on children in the Gaza Strip. The blockade has suspended the entry of aid and commercial supplies into Gaza for over five weeks, leading to scarcity of safe water, food, shelter, and medical care. In northern Gaza, children are struggling to access water, with the Israeli army halting water supply from Mekorot, cutting off 70% of the enclave's total water supply. According to Gaza municipality spokesperson Hosni Mehanna, the disconnection affects the main pipeline located in Shujayea neighborhood in eastern Gaza City. The reasons behind the interruption remain unclear, but the consequences are dire, risking widespread thirst, dehydration, and disease. Since March 18, renewed Israeli assaults on Gaza have resulted in nearly 1,500 fatalities and 3,700 injuries, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The UN agency has called for an immediate end to the Israeli blockade and for humanitarian aid to be allowed back into Gaza.