While a three-month ceasefire has brought a degree of respite to the 2 million people living in the territory, residents continue to live in dire conditions. People are exhausted, traumatized and overwhelmed. Now, the onset of winter and recent torrential rains are intensifying the misery and desperation.

During his visit to the Gaza Strip, the Executive Director witnessed the overwhelming amount of rubble, and visited key sites including Gaza’s sole power station and a fuel platform. He met residents who have been displaced multiple times, and spoke with UN partners and UNOPS personnel who continue to deliver critical services under extreme pressure and insecurity.

Increased humanitarian access and the fuel required to power vital operations remain in desperate need. Furthermore, an estimated 60 million tonnes of rubble must be safely cleared – including unexploded ordnance – to ensure the safety of returning communities.

“The people of Gaza have endured unspeakable suffering that no human should experience. The international community must remain engaged and act with urgency beyond the immediate response to the humanitarian crisis,” said Jorge Moreira da Silva in a statement following his visit.

“It is long overdue to reach a political and diplomatic solution to the conflict so that Palestinians and Israelis can finally live in safety and dignity,” he added.