Israeli Authorities Block Humanitarian Access to Northern Gaza, UNRWA Chief Reports

Tel aviv: The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has reported that Israeli authorities are blocking humanitarian missions from delivering essential supplies to northern Gaza, exacerbating the crisis in the region. According to Jordan News Agency, Lazzarini highlighted the severe conditions in Gaza, noting that critical supplies including medicine and food are not reaching the people under siege. He detailed the dire situation in the area, mentioning that hospitals affected by the conflict have lost power and are unable to provide necessary care to the injured. The lack of humanitarian access is further compounded by overcrowded shelters, forcing some displaced individuals to reside in unsanitary conditions. Lazzarini also pointed out the perilous circumstances faced by those trying to escape the conflict zone, stating that many have been killed, with their bodies left in the streets. Efforts to rescue individuals trapped under rubble are being obs tructed, and he emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian agencies to gain access to the affected areas. The UN Human Rights Office corroborated these concerns, reporting that recent attacks by the Israeli army on key hospitals in northern Gaza have put additional pressure on the already strained medical facilities. These hospitals are struggling with shortages of supplies and fuel due to ongoing restrictions and attacks on rescue teams and medical personnel. Additionally, disruptions to internet services since October 19 have limited communication and information dissemination, affecting journalists and media coverage in the region. The death of at least three Palestinian journalists in the last two weeks has further restricted the flow of information about the conditions in northern Gaza. The UN Human Rights Office has called on Israel to disclose the identities of all detainees and to ensure their rights to legal representation and family contact. It also reminded Israel of the International Court of Justice's provisional measures requiring the state to prevent acts that could be considered genocidal against Palestinians in Gaza as per international conventions.