New York, SANA-The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has affirmed that the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza Strip is exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

“Israeli forces continue their intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip and are expanding ground operations, resulting in fatalities, injuries, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the displacement of large numbers of residents.” UNRWA said in a statement.

UNRWA added: “Israeli airstrikes continue to be reported on people sheltering in schools and tents, and on people trying to access food or other humanitarian assistance, resulting in mass casualties, including among children,” confirming that nearly 350 of its staff have been killed since the start of the aggression on the Gaza Strip.

According to UNRWA, the health response in Gaza continues to face severe operational challenges, including extensive damage to health facilities, the killing of medical personnel, obstacles to safe movement within the Gaza Strip, and restrictions on the entry of essential medical supplies and fuel.

Tuhama al-Saidi – Mannar Salameh