OVER 415,000 DISPLACED GAZANS SHELTERING IN UN SCHOOLS: UNRWA

GAZA, Dec 1 (Bernama-WAFA) -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) revealed Sunday that over 415,000 displaced Palestinians are sheltering in its school buildings across Gaza, with hundreds of thousands more enduring even worse conditions in temporary shelters.

In a poignant post on X (formerly Twitter), UNRWA shared a video by Aisha, one of the displaced women, who painted a harrowing picture of life in the makeshift shelters, according to the Palestine News Agency (WAFA).

“This place is meant for education, not for living,” Aisha lamented, describing the lack of basic necessities such as food, water, and safety.

“I left my beautiful home to come to this place, which is unsafe and vulnerable to being bombed at any moment. Gaza as a whole is unsafe. They have deprived us of our right to safety and protection,” she said.

Highlighting the unique challenges faced by women, Aisha detailed the absence of basic hygiene facilities and the devastating impact of the war.

“We, as displaced Palestinian women, are suffering tremendously in terms of health and economic challenges. It has been impossible to meet even basic hygiene needs, especially during menstruation. At this time of the month, a woman is destroyed,” she said.

Aisha also criticised the unsuitable conditions of the school buildings, saying “This place is full of insects, flies, and cockroaches, and it lacks essential facilities. We need your support to provide a dignified life for innocent women caught in this war.”

The video and accompanying statement by UNRWA underscore the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with displaced families struggling to survive amidst escalating conflict and limited international aid.

The agency called for immediate action to provide safe, humane conditions for those affected.

-- BERNAMA-WAFA