UN highlights scale of destruction, human suffering in Gaza
NEW YORK, Nov. 25 (YPA) – The UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said that 80% of buildings in the Gaza Strip are either damaged or completely destroyed, stressing that life in the territory has become “unbearable” amid the widespread devastation.
In a briefing to the UN Security Council, published Monday on the UN’s website, Alakbarov urged “Israel” to increase capacity of border crossings and expedite approvals for delivering aid into Gaza.
He noted that 190,000 tons of humanitarian assistance are still waiting to enter the enclave.
Alakbarov warned that Gaza’s hospitals are struggling due to the lack of electricity and water, severely affecting their ability to function.
He described the scale of destruction as catastrophic and said that restoring dignity and hope will require determined political efforts.
The UN official added that reconstruction costs in Gaza are estimated at 53 billion US dollars.
He also pointed to the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, saying that settlement expansion, settler violence, and Israeli operations have further heightened tensions.
He stressed that those responsible for violence and incitement in the West Bank must be held accountable.
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