Humanitarian Crisis in Northern Gaza Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza has reached a critical point, as relief organizations express their inability to provide necessary aid due to the ongoing Israeli siege. Othman Muqbil, Executive Director of the UK-based Action for Humanity, emphasized the helplessness felt by all relief groups, both international and local. For the past two weeks, no humanitarian aid has reached areas like Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun, exacerbating the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.
Muqbil pointed out that the conditions have deteriorated significantly since the onset of the Israeli military operation, with reports indicating that many residents are facing dire circumstances. Despite claims of some aid entering northern Gaza, Muqbil asserts that nothing has effectively reached those in need. He relayed alarming accounts from humanitarian workers on the ground, stating that individuals have begun writing their wills, a testament to the severity of their plight.
The dire situation is compounded by the dangerous conditions faced by relief and medical workers, who are struggling to find food and water for themselves, let alone provide assistance to civilians. The recent death of a UNRWA coordinator in Jabalia highlights the risks associated with delivering aid in the region. Muqbil criticized the international community's response, arguing that appeals from UN officials, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have not resulted in meaningful action to alleviate the suffering in northern Gaza.
He called for urgent measures to pressure the UN Security Council to act decisively, demanding an end to the siege and access for humanitarian aid. The current level of aid entering Gaza is grossly inadequate, meeting only a fraction of the population's needs. Since the escalation of violence on October 7, 2023, the conflict has resulted in over 142,000 Palestinian deaths and injuries, with a significant number of casualties being children and women. The ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza has drawn widespread condemnation, yet Israel continues its military operations largely unchallenged, disregarding international calls for ceasefire and humanitarian intervention.
