NEW YORK: The United Nations has announced a 60-day emergency aid plan for Gaza, aimed at providing immediate relief to millions of Palestinians once a ceasefire is established.
Tom Fletcher, the UN Humanitarian Chief, stated that the plan is fully prepared and tested. He emphasized that 170,000 metric tons of food, medicine, and other essential supplies are already available, and the UN team is fully mobilized to implement the initiative.
Large parts of Gaza have been severely affected by Israeli air and ground strikes, and the UN has confirmed famine conditions in several areas, where dozens of Palestinians have already died from hunger and malnutrition. Fletcher explained that the UN’s goal is to deliver hundreds of aid trucks daily after the ceasefire to alleviate the food crisis and famine.
According to the plan, 2.1 million people will receive food, while 500,000 severely malnourished children and adults will receive special nutritional assistance. Additionally, 200,000 individuals will be provided with cash assistance to purchase essential items of their choice, and 1.4 million people will gain access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
The UN also plans to restore water systems, repair sewage pipelines, remove waste, and distribute hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, and sanitary pads. Fletcher further noted that Gaza’s devastated health system will be rehabilitated, including emergency medical care, maternal and newborn health services, psychological support, and other essential medical services.
Thousands of tents will be delivered each week, and temporary schools will be established to accommodate 700,000 children.
Fletcher highlighted several critical requirements for the success of the plan, including the weekly delivery of at least 1.9 million liters of fuel, the resumption of cooking gas distribution, the availability of multiple aid routes, and security guarantees for aid convoys. Currently, only 28 percent of the UN’s $4 billion emergency fund has been secured, which is insufficient.
While 170,000 tons of aid are stored in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Cyprus, Fletcher warned that these supplies alone would not be enough to meet the needs for the first 60 days following a ceasefire.
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