The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative in Palestine, Nestor Omohangi, stated that the Israeli occupation authorities impose an extremely strict visa system on the organization’s international staff, limiting their access to the Palestinian territories and hindering their ability to provide humanitarian support. He also emphasized the rising rate of mental health deterioration among the Gaza Strip’s population.
Omohangi’s remarks came in response to questions from health professionals during a press conference held via video link from Gaza with journalists accredited to the United Nations in New York.
He explained that the organization requires visas to enable its staff to travel to Jerusalem and coordinate the humanitarian response, noting that obtaining these visas is “extremely difficult.”
He explained that staff members who receive visas require additional permits to enter Gaza, and not all of them receive these permits. Those who do receive them “may not be able to return,” adding that this strict system “clearly limits the organization’s ability to provide support.”
The UN official also addressed the deteriorating mental health situation in Gaza, explaining that his agency has received increasing reports from various areas about widespread mental health problems.
He added, “We have recorded nearly 100 serious cases of self-harm among survivors of gender-based violence, and this is just a small part of the reality,” emphasizing that the mental health crisis affects both women and young people.
Regarding the obstacles imposed by the occupying authorities on the entry of essential supplies, Omohanji said that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) needs to provide sexual and reproductive health services, including safe childbirth, but much of the necessary equipment is being prevented from entering.
He explained that some tools and equipment, such as ultrasound machines, are classified as “dual-use” without a clear international or Israeli definition of this, adding that “even simple tools such as scissors may be banned from entering,” which hinders the provision of complete care during childbirth.
