Palestinians react in front of the remains of destroyed building after being hit by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City (Photo: AP/PTI)

United Nations, May 18 (RHC)-- The United Nations says over 38,000 Palestinians have sought shelter at dozens of schools run by the world body across the Gaza Strip after being displaced by Israel’s continued attacks.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said Israeli strikes on the besieged Palestinian territory have left more than 2,500 people homeless after their houses were destroyed, and damaged 41 educational facilities including a UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) vocational center and higher education facility.

Electricity has been reduced to just six to eight hours per day, resulting in ripple effects that have hindered healthcare and other services, including water and sanitation, Dujarric said.

In a brief statement on Monday, UNRWA spokesman Adnan Abu Hassan said the agency has started to provide some basic needs for the displaced families.  “We are in urgent need of support,” he said, referring to the Israeli closure on May 10 of the border crossing that is used to bring in humanitarian aid.