Gaza: ‘People losing hope’ as aid access is refused to north, warns UNRWA
- 12 November 2024
Gaza City, occupied Palestinian territory – The UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) has warned that people in northern Gaza are “losing hope” as Israel continues to refuse access for humanitarian aid.
The agency said it had been “repeatedly denied” access to northern Gaza since the Israeli military launched a major offensive in the area on 11 November.
“This is having a devastating impact on the civilian population, who are already suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis,” said UNRWA spokesperson Chris Gunness.
“People are running out of food, water, and medical supplies. They are also unable to reach hospitals or other essential services.”
Gunness said that UNRWA had been “trying to negotiate access with the Israeli authorities for days, but to no avail.”
“We are extremely concerned about the welfare of the people in northern Gaza,” he said. “We urge the Israeli authorities to grant us immediate access so that we can provide life-saving assistance.”
The Israeli military has said that it is restricting access to northern Gaza for security reasons. However, UNRWA has said that it has “no evidence” to support this claim.
The agency has also said that the Israeli military has been targeting its staff and facilities in Gaza.
On 10 November, an UNRWA school in northern Gaza was hit by an Israeli airstrike. The school was being used as a shelter for displaced people.
No one was killed in the airstrike, but the school was badly damaged.
UNRWA has condemned the airstrike as a “violation of international law.”
The agency has also said that it is “deeply concerned” about the safety of its staff in Gaza.
“Our staff are working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance to the people of Gaza,” said Gunness. “They should not be targeted for doing their job.”
The Israeli military has not commented on the UNRWA allegations.
The UN has said that the situation in Gaza is “dire.”
“The people of Gaza are facing a humanitarian crisis,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. “We call on all parties to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those in need.”
The UN has also called for an end to the violence in Gaza.
“We urge all parties to cease fire and to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” said Dujarric.
Gaza: ‘People losing hope’ as aid access is refused to north, warns UNRWA
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