UNRWA: 406,000 displaced Palestinians sheltered in 91 Gaza facilities

CAIRO - 23 October 2023: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has confirmed that approximately 406,000 displaced Palestinians are currently residing in 91 UNRWA facilities across the central, Khan Yunis, and Rafah regions of the Gaza Strip.

The agency highlights that the average number of displaced individuals per shelter currently stands at 4,400, with some facilities accommodating as many as 19,600, signifying severe overcrowding.

According to the United Nations Information Center, UNRWA has reported the tragic loss of 13 more of its staff members in Gaza, bringing the total number of employees killed since October 7th to 29.

As per UNRWA's report, one of its schools in Khan Yunis has sustained significant damage, contributing to a total of 38 UNRWA facilities affected by airstrikes since October 7th.

UNRWA further states that, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health, the death toll in the region has reached 4,385 people since October 7th, including 1,756 children and 967 women. Additionally, 13,561 individuals have been injured during this period.

The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to present immense challenges, with UNRWA at the forefront of providing aid and support to those affected by the ongoing crisis.

The overcrowding of shelters and the increasing number of casualties emphasize the urgent need for international attention and assistance in addressing the unfolding tragedy.