Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Doctors Without Borders asks for humanitarian corridor in Gaza
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is facing a devastating health situation in the Gaza Strip following Hamas' attack on Israel. Since Saturday, the densely populated Gaza Strip has been under fire from the Israeli army. The NGO is requesting an urgent humanitarian corridor to support the medical response and respect humanitarian law.
"The situation is catastrophic," said Sarah Chateau, head of the Palestine programme for MSF. "I don't think anyone is safe in Gaza."
MSF has 300 Palestinian and 20 international staff in Gaza. "Some of our teams have been moved to a United Nations building," Chateau said. "The bombings have been so massive that the risks are too great. How long can our teams stay in a total state of siege? We need a humanitarian corridor."
University buildings destroyed
On Wednesday morning, the Israeli army bombed the Islamic University in Gaza after confirming it was s a "major Hamas operation and military centre". The university served as a training and weapons production centre.
Additionally, Israel has imposed a complete blockade on Gaza after the Hamas attack. As a result, no fuel can enter Gaza, and the only power station is in danger of running out of fuel. Authorities warned of a humanitarian catastrophe on Wednesday.
More than 260,000 people have already been displaced in Gaza, according to OCHA, the UN's humanitarian coordination agency. Before the war began, 80 per cent of the population required humanitarian aid.
According to the ministry of Health in Gaza, the current death toll in the Gaza Strip since Saturday has risen to 1,050, with at least 5,200 injured. On the Israeli side, 1,200 people have been killed and 3,000 wounded.
© PHOTO HANS LUCAS AFP
Related news
