The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees on Saturday declared its shelters in Gaza to be “not safe anymore” and sounded the alarm regarding the rapidly diminishing water supply in Gaza in the midst of the ongoing Isreal-Hamas conflict

The UN agency has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave.

Over two million Palestinians are grappling with limited access to clean water, a situation that the United Nations has deemed a “matter of life and death.”

The crisis escalated after Israel reduced water supplies to Gaza, severely affecting the region.

Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, emphasized the urgency of delivering fuel to Gaza to ensure access to clean water. Lazzarini stated, “It has become a matter of life and death. It is a must: fuel needs to be delivered now into Gaza to make water available for two million people.”

The situation has worsened as the Gaza Strip’s water plant and public water networks ceased operations.

With clean water becoming scarce, Palestinians are being forced to use contaminated well water, heightening the risk of waterborne diseases.

The electricity blackout imposed by Israel on Gaza has also impacted the water supply.

In addition to the water crisis, thousands of people have evacuated northern Gaza following Israel’s orders amid intense air attacks.

The UN has described these evacuation orders as “impossible,” emphasizing the urgency of humanitarian aid. Nearly one million people have been displaced since the conflict intensified last week.

Lazzarini pleaded for the prompt delivery of fuel to Gaza, highlighting that it is the only means for people to access safe drinking water.

Without intervention, severe dehydration and other related issues pose a significant threat, especially to young children, the elderly, and women. He made a heartfelt appeal for the lifting of the humanitarian assistance blockade.

The conflict, which began when the Palestinian armed group Hamas launched an assault on Israel last week, has resulted in the deaths of over 2,215 Palestinians.

UNRWA has also expressed deep concern about the safety of its shelters in Gaza, calling the situation “unprecedented.”

More than 320 Palestinians, including women and children, have lost their lives in the past 24 hours, intensifying the already dire circumstances for the 2.3 million residents of Gaza.

The agency reinforced the importance of abiding by international law during conflicts, underscoring the protection of civilians, hospitals, schools, clinics, and UN facilities.

UNRWA is diligently advocating for all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to their obligations to safeguard civilians, particularly those seeking refuge in UNRWA shelters.

Efforts are underway by various organizations and governments to provide humanitarian assistance to those in urgent need, including hundreds of thousands of children impacted by the crisis.