UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs warns of lethal tactics by Israeli forces.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a stark warning about the Israeli forces’ use of lethal military tactics, including airstrikes, in the West Bank. This aggressive approach has resulted in deaths, injuries, displacement, and restricted access to essential services for many individuals.

Escalating Operations

OCHA detailed that operations have resumed in Tulkarm and are ongoing in Jenin. The UN has documented over twenty fatalities in the past week alone, including children. The situation underscores the escalating violence and its toll on the civilian population.

Humanitarian Impact and Response

In response to the crisis, the UN has mobilized various organizations to assess the damage and humanitarian needs on the ground. A visit to Tulkarm on Saturday confirmed the displacement of 120 individuals, including more than 40 children, whose homes were destroyed. Additionally, the assessment revealed that 13,000 people in the Nur Shams refugee camp experienced water supply disruptions due to damaged infrastructure, leading to sewage overflow. The UN teams observed that the affected population is suffering from psychological trauma and is in dire need of psychosocial support.

In response to these findings, OCHA has initiated a humanitarian response to address the identified needs, emphasizing the critical need for mental health and social support services among the affected communities.

Access Denied for Humanitarian Assessment

Despite these efforts, OCHA reported that Israeli forces denied access to several organizations that were scheduled to conduct an assessment in Jenin on Tuesday. This refusal hampers the international community’s ability to evaluate and respond to the humanitarian needs in the area effectively.

Conclusion

The UN’s warning highlights the severe impact of military operations in the West Bank on civilians and raises concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The denial of access for humanitarian assessments further complicates the situation, limiting the ability of aid organizations to provide necessary support to those affected by the violence.

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