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The Gaza Strip: UNRWA finally receives fuel; much more is needed for humanitarian operations

UNRWA

18 Nov 2023

FROM UNRWA COMMISSIONER-GENERAL PHILIPPE LAZZARINI

GENEVA/AMMAN, 18 November 2023 - "Following long weeks of delay, the Israeli Authorities approved only half of the daily minimum requirements of fuel for humanitarian operations in Gaza.

"This is far from enough to cover the needs for desalination plants, sewage pumps, hospitals, water pumps in shelters, aid trucks, ambulances, bakeries and communications networks to work without interruption.

"Fuel should not be restricted for these activities.

"Without the full amount of fuel:

• People will have only two thirds of their daily needs of clean drinking water;
• Large parts of Gaza will continue to be flooded with sewage further increasing risks of diseases;
• 70 per cent of solid waste will not be removed, a major health hazard;
• We are forced to handle a reduced number of aid trucks crossing daily into Rafah.

"Humanitarian organisations should not be forced to make tough decisions between competing lifesaving activities. Community tensions in a once close-knitted society are likely to increase, making it even more difficult for UNRWA and other organisations to operate in environment of un precedented humanitarian crisis.

"We call for adequate, regular, and unconditional delivery of fuel to maintain all our critical lifesaving activities in the Gaza Strip.

"The last few days have seen a drastic reduction in these services including water availability and sewage clearance with serious consequences on people in need.

"Humanitarian aid cannot be conditional and must not be used for political or military agendas and gains".

ENDs-

Notes to Editors:

· The entry of fuel critical for the overall humanitarian operations across the Gaza Strip has been largely banned since 7 October when the war began.

· On Wednesday, 15 November, the Israeli Authorities allowed the entry of just less than 23,000 litres (half a truck) of fuel for UNRWA to transport trucks of aid arriving via Rafah. This fuel could not to be used for any other humanitarian purposes.

· The amount authorised today= 120,000 litres will be used over two days and will only cover half of the daily critical needs. We have been informed that 120,000 litres of fuel will be delivered every two days.

· Fuel is also critical for the telecommunications networks. Gaza went through a fourth blackout in communications yesterday. As a result, UNRWA was not able to transport trucks of humanitarian assistance arriving via Egypt.