Ankara: The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported on Thursday that more than 61 million tons of debris currently cover the Gaza Strip, a result of over two years of Israeli military operations. The extensive destruction has left entire neighborhoods in ruins, forcing families to search desperately for water and shelter amidst the wreckage.

According to Anadolu Agency, UNRWA continues its humanitarian mission and lifesaving assistance for the Palestinian people in Gaza, despite the ongoing Israeli blockade and restrictions on aid stocks. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini assured that the agency possesses sufficient medicine, essential supplies, and food to sustain the entire Gaza population for the next three months.

In October 2024, the Israeli Knesset voted to block UNRWA operations in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, citing alleged involvement of its staff in attacks by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, 2023. However, on Wednesday, the International Court of Justice dismissed Israel's claims, stating that there was no substantiation of allegations that UNRWA employees were members of Hamas or involved in the attacks.

The court further emphasized that under the Geneva Convention, Israel is obligated to facilitate relief efforts provided by third-party states and impartial humanitarian organizations, including UNRWA and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to ensure sufficient aid reaches the Gaza Strip.

Since October 2023, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 68,000 people and injuries to more than 170,000, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. A ceasefire agreement came into effect on October 10, based on a phased plan presented by US President Donald Trump.