OCHA demands help for the homeless in Gaza

A report issued by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories (OCHA) stressed anew the difficult situation thousands of displaced Palestinians are going through as a result of the recent Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip.
The report said the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is fluid and has risen again, with 218,367 now seeking refuge in 87 UNRWA schools designated as emergency shelters.
It added that alternative housing will be needed for the approximately 100,000 people whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged.
An exceptional one-off food distribution, targeting families who do not regularly receive food assistance, is continuing with 150,000 out of a targeted 730,000 people now reached, the report said.
UNRWA in collaboration with the Ministry of Education developed a plan for the new academic year, the report said adding that in the case of a permanent cease-fire, UNRWA is expected to open schools in a period between two to three weeks to receive 235 thousand children.
The report warned against 'thousands of shells from the remnants of war in addition to the explosives that were left in civilian areas affected by the conflict saying they pose a significant threat, especially to children, farmers, aid workers and the internally displaced persons. According to the report remnants of war have been discovered r in the United Nations headquarters too.
It pointed to the need to provide cash assistance estimated at about USD 68 million to 16 792 thousand families to cover the cost of rent and urgent expenses, adding that the World Food Programme (WFP), in cooperation with UNRWA, provide food rations to all the displaced people in schools and government shelters.