The Gaza Strip has fallen into “anarchy,” warns the United Nations
The Gaza Strip has descended into anarchy, with increasing famine, widespread looting and increasing rape in refugee camps, while law and order has collapsed, a United Nations official said.
The extent of Palestinian suffering in Gaza “Must be seen to be truly understood”said Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN human rights office in the Palestinian territories, after his latest visit to Gaza. “I was especially alarmed by the level of hungerSunghay declared during a press conference. The breakdown of public order and security is exacerbating the situation, with widespread looting and fighting over scarce resources. »
“The anarchy in Gaza, about which we sounded the alarm months ago, is here”he stated, stressing that the foreseeable situation could have been avoided. Sunghay said young women, many of whom have been repeatedly displaced, have reported a lack of safe spaces and privacy in their makeshift tents. “Some say cases of gender violence and rape, child abuse and other forms of violence in refugee camps have increased”due to the war and the disruption of public order, he added.
Mr. Sunghay described the situation in Gaza City as ” awful “with thousands of displaced people taking refuge in “inhuman conditions, with serious food shortages and terrible sanitary conditions”. He said he saw, for the first time, dozens of women and children from Gaza sifting through the waste in the giant landfills. The level of destruction in Gaza “it only gets worse”he added. “Everyone I have met is asking for an end to this situation. Enough “he stated.
Spokesman for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Jeremy Laurence, called for an immediate ceasefire. “The killings must stop”said Mr. Laurence, “The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. “Those arbitrarily detained must be released.”. “Everything must be done to urgently provide all the food, medicine and life-saving aid that Gaza desperately needs”he insisted.
