UN inspected flood risk areas in Gaza and recommended people move to safe areas

UN Secretary General Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric spoke at the daily press conference.

Stating that the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its humanitarian partners continue to help families in Gaza prepare for the rainy season, Dujarric said that people prefer to move from flood-risk areas to damaged buildings at risk of collapse.

Dujarric pointed out that the UN and its partners examined more than 450 areas at high risk of flood where displaced people live in Gaza and said, "These areas host approximately 1 in 5 of the population of Gaza." he said.

Stating that the teams emphasized that explosive pollution should be eliminated in newly determined areas before large-scale relocation against flood risk, Dujarric also pointed out difficulties such as creating access roads, establishing a drainage system, and the need for water and other infrastructure.

Dujarric underlined that the biggest obstacle is Israel's restriction of access to 65 percent of Gaza land, and pointed out that there are overcrowded displaced Palestinians in the remaining 35 percent.

“Further approvals are needed from Israel for humanitarian partners to import machinery, spare parts, engine oil and other critical supplies.” Dujarric said, noting that more funds are urgently needed for fuel and shelter.