The UAE has announced a generous aid package of $5 million for the reconstruction of Gaza. The funds will be dedicated to supporting the efforts of Sigrid Kaag, the United Nations Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza.
During her visit to the UAE, Kaag held a crucial meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Together, they assessed the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza brought on by the recent conflict.
Sheikh Abdullah emphasized the importance of an immediate ceasefire and the urgent need to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian, relief, and medical assistance to the Palestinian people residing in the Gaza Strip.
According to the United Nations Satellite Centre’s recent findings, a distressing 30% of buildings in the Gaza Strip have been either destroyed or damaged as a consequence of the Israeli offensive. The analysis of satellite imagery revealed a staggering impact on the region, with a total of 69,147 structures affected. Among these, 22,131 have been identified as completely destroyed, with an additional 14,066 suffering severe damage, and 32,950 showing moderate damage.
The satellite imagery used for this assessment dates from January 6-7 and was compared to six other sets of images, including some predating the Israeli offensive. Notably, the Gaza City and Khan Younis areas have witnessed the most significant increase in damage since the previous analysis. Specifically, 10,280 newly damaged structures were identified in Gaza City, while Khan Younis saw 11,894 additional structures affected compared to UNOSAT’s earlier assessment from November 26.
Tragically, since the start of the conflict on October 7, Gaza has witnessed the loss of over 27,000 lives, with another 66,287 people sustaining injuries.