UN, Human Rights Groups Warn of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and West Bank

UN, Human Rights Groups Warn of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and West Bank
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Human rights organizations and the United Nations have warned of worsening humanitarian conditions affecting Palestinians, with Gaza facing escalating health risks and the West Bank witnessing large-scale displacement and destruction. International officials have also renewed calls to prevent any forced displacement of Palestinians and uphold international law.

The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights warned that Gaza’s health situation is deteriorating due to ongoing conflict and restrictions on the entry of medicines, medical supplies, fuel, and humanitarian aid. The center said the collapse of water, sanitation, electricity, and waste management services, combined with overcrowding in displacement shelters and malnutrition, has created conditions favorable for the spread of infectious diseases.

According to the center, Gaza hospitals have reported increasing cases of respiratory illnesses, fever, diarrhea, and other symptoms, while health facilities continue to face shortages of medicines, diagnostic equipment, and medical resources. It also highlighted rising concerns over meningitis cases and suspected Guillain-Barré syndrome infections.

Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Office warned that more than 33,000 Palestinians have been displaced from three refugee camps in the occupied West Bank during the Israeli military operation known as “Iron Wall.” The UN report said the operation resulted in the destruction of homes and infrastructure, disruption of water and electricity services, and restrictions on humanitarian access.

The report stated that 102 Palestinians, including 21 children, were killed during the operation, raising concerns over possible violations of international humanitarian law. UN officials warned that the scale of displacement and destruction could amount to forcible transfer, which may constitute a crime against humanity.

In a joint statement, several Arab and international officials condemned any plans or statements advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians, describing such actions as violations of international law and threats to regional stability. They emphasized that Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, must remain part of a unified Palestinian territory.

The officials called on the international community and the UN Security Council to prevent attempts to impose demographic or geographic changes in the occupied Palestinian territories and stressed that a just and lasting peace requires respect for Palestinian rights and the implementation of a two-state solution based on international resolutions.