UN Urges Humanitarian Access to Northern Gaza Amid Ongoing Crisis
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised alarms regarding the dire humanitarian situation in northern Gaza, where residents are facing severe challenges due to ongoing military actions, a blockade, and forced displacements. The UN has called for the urgent opening of a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the delivery of aid to the region, which has been largely cut off since late September 2023.
Since September 25, 2023, the Israeli military has restricted the entry of humanitarian supplies into northern Gaza, leading to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. OCHA reported that out of 50 requests made by humanitarian agencies for access to the area over the past month, 33 were outright rejected, and only a fraction were allowed but faced significant delays and obstacles. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric noted that 85% of attempts to coordinate aid through a checkpoint were denied or obstructed, exacerbating the suffering of the local population.
Hanan Balkhy, the regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized the critical need for medical assistance, highlighting the organization's efforts to keep hospitals operational amidst the violence. Balkhy warned of a deteriorating situation not only in Gaza but also in Lebanon, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians and healthcare facilities.
The ongoing conflict, which escalated significantly on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 146,000 Palestinian casualties, with many being children and women. The humanitarian disaster has drawn international concern, with calls for a sustained ceasefire and unhindered access for aid agencies to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
