ABDULLAH ABU DHAIF (RAFAH, CAIRO)
Dominic Allen, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative for the State of Palestine, said that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip was experiencing an unprecedented collapse across all sectors.
Since October 7 of last year, field hospitals have become a critical lifeline for thousands of residents amidst this crisis, he stressed.
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, Allen emphasised the Fund’s collaboration with international organisations to deliver humanitarian aid, particularly for pregnant women.
These women are grappling with a severe shortage of health services and medications, often giving birth without anaesthesia due to the healthcare system’s collapse, Allen explained.
He stressed the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid in Gaza, especially in medications and medical equipment, to provide medical and humanitarian relief.
Allen highlighted the pervasive suffering in Gaza, affecting not only residents but also those working in humanitarian and official institutions who are exerting extensive efforts.
“Everyone in Gaza feels intense suffering, and this is not different for those working within humanitarian and official institutions who are making extensive efforts,” he said.
The UN representative underscored the need for coordinated action among international forces and organisations to provide relief in Gaza.
This includes restoring the medical sector to full operational capacity and ensuring security to prevent further losses.
Allen concluded by asserting the importance of taking effective steps to mitigate the humanitarian disaster faced by over two million inhabitants of Gaza, emphasising the need to support displaced persons and increase medical aid and medications.