Israel has blocked all efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to northern Gaza, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) reported on Thursday.
According to a statement from UNRWA, 91 attempts were made between Oct. 6 and Nov. 25 to deliver life-saving aid to Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Sahour in northern Gaza.
“Of these, 82 attempts were completely denied, and 9 were obstructed,” the statement said.
UNRWA highlighted the dire conditions for the estimated 65,000 to 75,000 people still in the region, warning, “For over 50 days, they have endured deteriorating conditions for survival.”
The agency expressed grave concern for thousands of displaced families now living in cold, rainy conditions without essential items such as blankets, mattresses, or waterproof shelters, describing the situation as “beyond miserable.”
Since Oct. 5, Israel has conducted a large-scale ground operation in northern Gaza, claiming it aims to prevent the regrouping of Hamas, a Palestinian resistance group. However, Palestinians have accused Israel of seeking to occupy the area and forcibly displace its residents.
Humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and fuel, has been entirely barred from the region, leaving around 80,000 people on the brink of famine, according to local sources.
Palestinian health officials report that the northern Gaza offensive has resulted in over 2,300 deaths since its onset. Across Gaza, nearly 44,300 people, primarily women and children, have been killed since the start of Israel’s military campaign on Oct. 7, 2023.
In recent developments, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing genocide charges at the International Court of Justice over its actions in the conflict.
