(MENAFN) The United Nations reported on Monday that 87.7% of the Gaza Strip falls within Israeli militarized zones, displacement orders, or areas where both overlap, severely restricting the movement of approximately 2.1 million residents. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), explained that this compression forces Gaza’s population into fragmented areas with minimal access to essential services.

Dujarric highlighted that over 1.3 million people in Gaza urgently need shelter and basic household supplies. The harsh weather, humidity, overcrowding, and the constant dismantling and rebuilding of tents have shortened the lifespan of existing shelter materials. He stressed the worsening conditions, noting that no shelter supplies have entered Gaza for more than four months.

The fuel shortage persists, with only a limited amount allowed into the territory in recent days, barely enough to support critical operations. The UN is prioritizing fuel for essential services.

Reports of severe malnutrition are alarming, with many people arriving at medical facilities in dire health. The Gaza Health Ministry recently reported that over a dozen individuals, including children, died from hunger within 24 hours. Since October 2023, 86 people—76 of them children—have succumbed to hunger and dehydration.

Gaza’s government media office warned the enclave is facing a potential mass death after more than 140 days of almost complete blockade of all crossings. Since October 2023, Israeli military actions have resulted in nearly 59,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, devastating Gaza’s infrastructure and healthcare system, and triggering famine-like conditions.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also subject to a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its military operations in the region.

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