Gaza: UNRWA Pleads with Israel to Allow Rescue of Trapped Civilians as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Northern Gaza as Aid Access Remains Blocked
The situation in Northern Gaza has reached a critical point, with civilians facing dire conditions as access for humanitarian aid and rescue teams remains blocked. Inas Hamdan, a spokesperson for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), painted a grim picture of the unfolding humanitarian crisis.
Hamdan revealed that Israel has denied UNRWA’s urgent request to evacuate those trapped under the rubble in Northern Gaza following continuous Israeli airstrikes. The agency has issued repeated warnings over the past two weeks that the tightening siege on Jabalia and Northern Gaza is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
“The ongoing Israeli military offensive in these areas is putting tens of thousands of civilians at grave risk,” Hamdan stated in an interview with Anadolu Agency. She emphasized that the offensive is severely hindering access to basic necessities like food and water.
The situation in Jabalia refugee camp is particularly concerning. Under siege for over two weeks, reports are emerging of families trapped in their homes, facing dwindling supplies of food and water.
Adding to the crisis, two out of the three remaining hospitals in Northern Gaza, al-Awda Hospital and the Indonesian Hospital, have been targeted, according to Hamdan. The attacks have further crippled the healthcare system, with tragic consequences. Hamdan reported that some patients at the Indonesian Hospital lost their lives due to power outages and a severe shortage of medical supplies.
Despite an urgent request from the United Nations to access Northern Gaza for rescue operations, Israeli authorities have yet to grant permission. Hamdan issued a plea to Israel, urging them to allow humanitarian and rescue teams immediate access to those trapped. “Every minute of delay increases the magnitude of this disaster,” she warned.
The crisis has forced the evacuation of seven shelters in Northern Gaza, displacing countless Palestinians. With essential services, including those provided by UNRWA, suspended and only two water wells operational, civilians have been left with no choice but to flee.
The humanitarian situation in the central and southern parts of Gaza offers little respite. Hamdan stressed that the flow of essential supplies remains inadequate and inconsistent. “The number of trucks allowed in is far too small compared to the immense needs,” she cautioned.
The current crisis began on October 5th, when the Israeli military launched an unprecedented bombing campaign on Jabalia refugee camp and other areas in Northern Gaza. This was followed by a ground invasion, which Israel claims is necessary to prevent Hamas from regrouping. However, Palestinians accuse Israel of attempting to occupy the region and displace its inhabitants.
The international community must act swiftly and decisively to pressure Israel to lift the siege, allow humanitarian access, and prevent further suffering in Gaza.
