More than 362 million people around the world need humanitarian assistance and support to survive. Humanitarian aid can mean the difference between life and death – bringing food, water, shelter or medical care to vulnerable people in times of crisis. Humanitarian news tells the stories of the men and women on the frontlines, and how they are responding to this global challenge.
The escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is pushing millions of people to the brink. Amid a cholera epidemic and the continued displacement of people, the humanitarian situation is reaching critical thresholds. UN News spoke to OCHA’s country director in Haiti, Modibo Traore, about the challenges ahead.
In a 60-bed field hospital in Gaza, surgeons perform up to 40 emergency procedures every day. They treat patients of all ages, but toddlers and children like five-year old Omran Daqneesh are the most common patients. Despite the ongoing violence in Gaza, the Red Cross remains dedicated to saving lives through humanitarian relief work.
Israel’s military has blocked the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza since March, and its restrictions have caused a sharp rise in need. The government claims it is trying to make the route safer for those attempting to access aid sites, but Palestinians report being shot at and killed in their attempt to reach their deliveries. Israel has denied the allegations and blamed Hamas for instigating chaos at the sites.
