GAZA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) issued a stark warning on Monday, highlighting the critical risk to thousands of infants in the Gaza Strip due to a severe shortage of infant formula.

According to the agency, more than 8,500 infants in Gaza depend on formula provided through UNRWA, but current supplies are drastically insufficient. One of the few functioning UNRWA health centers in southern Gaza has just six boxes of formula left for distribution.

"With over 200,000 people relying on this center for primary healthcare, the acute shortage of supplies places many, including infants, in grave danger," the agency said.

UNRWA emphasized that the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid and a ceasefire are essential to preventing further loss of life.

Despite limited resources and overwhelming needs, the agency also announced continued support for the most vulnerable in Khan Younis, including providing winter clothes and hygiene supplies to children at the UNRWA Center for Rehabilitation of Children with Visual Impairments.

The dire humanitarian situation comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, over 45,000 people in Gaza have been killed, and widespread destruction has exacerbated the crisis. The escalation followed a deadly surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli border towns and military bases, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli fatalities.

UNRWA reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire and guaranteed humanitarian aid access to alleviate the suffering of Gaza's civilian population. Enditem

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