By Servet Gunerigok
WASHINGTON (AA) - UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lynn Hastings, issued an appeal Tuesday for Israel and Palestinian groups to adhere to international humanitarian law amid the ongoing conflict that began last week.
Hastings said in a statement that a significant portion of Gaza's 2.2 million residents, numbering at least 200,000, have been displaced from fleeing for their lives or their homes being destroyed by airstrikes.
She pointed out that a majority of displaced residents are seeking refuge in UNRWA schools, with at least two of the facilities having already suffered damage from airstrikes in the region.
"The numbers of those affected by the hostilities are only expected to increase," said the statement.
Hastings noted that Israeli authorities have severed the water supply to Gaza, exacerbating the already limited availability of potable water and access to electricity, food and fuel has been cut off, further worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
"Palestinians in Gaza now only have electricity to 3-4 hours per day. This hinders the ability of health facilities to function and treat those injured," she said.
The statement conveyed that the UN and humanitarian partners in Palestine are actively working to address urgent needs, particularly shelter, in dangerous circumstances.
"However, access for humanitarian staff and supplies into Gaza has also been cut and the intensity of the hostilities is limiting the ability of staff to deliver aid," it said.
"As the security and humanitarian situations continue to escalate, all parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law," said the statement. "All military and armed groups must abide by the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution when conducting their operations."
"Civilians, especially children, medical facilities, humanitarian personnel health workers, and journalists must be protected. Captured civilians must be released immediately and unconditionally," it added.
Hamas sent dozens of fighters to infiltrate Israeli towns Saturday near the Gaza Strip amid heavy rocket fire. It said the attack was in response to Israeli violations in the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem and increased settler violence.
Israel retaliated with a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and imposed a total blockade on the territory, home to nearly 2.3 million people.
At least 830 Palestinians have been killed and 4,250 injured in the Israeli bombardment of the enclave, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to use all of Israel’s strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.”