Scott Anderson, Director of UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) operations in Gaza, spoke to UN journalists via video conference from Khan Younis.
Following the Israeli offensive in Al-Mawasi, Anderson went to the local Nasser Hospital. He described the scene he encountered in the hospital as “one of the most horrific scenes I have ever seen, having been in Gaza for nine months. The air was filled with the smell of blood.”
Anderson, who stated that they cleaned the blood on the ground with water because there was no disinfectant, said that some of the patients were receiving treatment on the ground. He also gave information about the babies and children who could not receive the necessary treatment because there was not enough equipment in the hospital.
UNRWA’s Situation
- UNRWA Director Anderson noted that some of the 190 facilities hit by Israel had been targeted multiple times.
- Noting that displacement continues in Gaza, Anderson said people are displaced at least once a month.
- UNRWA’s basic needs (food, water, medicine, hygiene items) are still not adequately provided.
- UNRWA does not require armed protection to ensure security in aid distribution and wants to maintain its neutrality.
- Noting that the police in Gaza are unable to do their jobs, Anderson stated that returning the police to duty could help solve the problems.
Aid and International Press
Anderson said only 600 aid trucks have entered the US floating dock since mid-May. Anderson stressed that there should be more aid entry points, and noted that international media are still banned from entering Gaza.
Noting that the press plays a critical role in conflict zones, Anderson said that the press both reflects events and shows the impact of the conflict on innocent civilians.
