Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Northern Gaza: UN Reports Ongoing Blockades

The ongoing conflict in northern Gaza has raised alarming humanitarian concerns as the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, reveals that Israel is blocking critical aid from reaching the area.

According to Philippe Lazzarini, the head of Unrwa, many humanitarian missions meant to deliver food, medicine, and essential supplies are still being prevented from accessing northern Gaza. Hospitals are reportedly in dire need of resources and power, leaving injured civilians without the necessary care. Overcrowding in emergency shelters has led to displaced families living under deplorable conditions, including in toilets, as they flee the violence. Lazzarini highlighted brutal realities faced by residents, noting that some fleeing have been killed during their attempts to escape.

The Israeli military has intensified its weeks-long offensive in northern Gaza, targeting alleged Hamas strongholds. However, local medics report increasing instances where the military is besieging hospitals and facilities meant for the displaced. Tension further escalated as reports surfaced of Israeli forces storming a school, detaining individuals, and setting the building on fire. The death toll from recent bombardments, including an incident at a Jabalia refugee camp linked to Israeli artillery, has continued to rise, with reports indicating at least ten casualties, including women and children.

In contrast, the Israeli military claims it is facilitating civilian evacuations while continuing operations against militant threats. A spokesperson for the military entity managing crossings into Gaza, Cogat, reported on the delivery of aid supplies, including 41 aid trucks and six fuel tankers. Cogat also mentioned that 600 additional truckloads are prepared for distribution.

Since early October, humanitarian aid to northern Gaza has been negligible, with the UN stating that access was particularly restricted after the onset of the military operations. Just last week, modest aid relief began trickling in following a warning from the U.S. urging Israel to allow increased humanitarian access.

The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed frustration at being denied requests for humanitarian aid access for four consecutive days. Footage shared by OCHA depicted the agony of residents, including a man trapped under rubble after an airstrike, pleading for rescue.

International humanitarian representatives emphasize the overwhelming suffering faced by the more than 400,000 inhabitants of northern Gaza. Essential services such as hospitals are reportedly overextended, lacking basic supplies critical to patient care. Activists and medical professionals stress the urgent need for food, water, and medical assistance to alleviate the ongoing crisis.

Amid this chaos, Israel remains resolute in its campaign against Hamas following an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, which led to significant loss of life and hostages taken. Over 42,000 people are estimated to have died in Gaza since the conflict reignited, illustrating the staggering toll wrought by the ongoing violence.