Source: AUN News

Ms. Hastings expressed her deep concern for the situation, which has injured over 100 Palestinians and 7 Israelis, in a statement released on Saturday.

Residential areas have been affected in both Israel and Gaza, and 31 families are now without a place to live in Gaza.

“With this most recent escalation, the already grave humanitarian situation in Gaza can only worsen. Hostilities must end to prevent further civilian casualties and injuries in Israel and Gaza. She emphasized that all parties must adhere to the norms of international humanitarian law, particularly those of distinction, caution, and proportionality.

The continued and significant escalation of the conflict between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants in and around Gaza worries me much. See my complete declaration here: https://t.co/4pVC6v0Kag

— Lynn Hastings on August 6, 2022 (@LynnHastings)

Risk to essential services

Ms. Hastings warned that the Gaza Power Plant’s fuel supply would run out on Saturday and that power had already been turned off.

She warned that it was crucial and now in danger for basic service facilities like hospitals, schools, warehouses, and designated shelters for internally displaced people to continue operating.

To meet humanitarian requirements, the Humanitarian Coordinator underlined that there should be no restrictions on the movement and access of aid workers, patients needing urgent medical attention, or basic supplies like food and gasoline into Gaza.

She also emphasized that the United Nations and its humanitarian partners must be granted urgent access to bring in gasoline, food, and medical supplies and to deploy humanitarian staff in compliance with international norms.

To prevent negative consequences, especially for civilians, Ms. Hastings said, “I renew the United Nations Special Coordinator’s plea on all parties for an immediate de-escalation and cessation of the violence.”