UNRWA staff report that they cannot find food, water or medical care, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini wrote on X.
‘Just waiting to die’
“The smell of death is everywhere as bodies are left lying on the roads or under the rubble. Missions to clear the bodies or provide humanitarian assistance are denied,” he said.
“In northern Gaza, people are just waiting to die. They feel deserted, hopeless and alone. They live from one hour to the next, fearing death at every second.”
Let families leave
Mr. Lazzarini said that throughout the war, some staff stayed in the north and “did the impossible” to support internally displaced people.
Some UNRWA shelters were kept open despite heavy bombardments and attacks on the agency’s buildings.
“On behalf of our staff in northern Gaza, I am calling for an immediate truce, even if for few hours, to enable safe humanitarian passage for families who wish to leave the area and reach safer places,” he said.
“This is the bare minimum to save the lives of civilians who have nothing to do with this conflict.”
Trapped under rubble
The UN humanitarian aid office, OCHA, is reporting that for five days, people have been trapped under the rubble in the Falouja area of Jabalia.
“Our urgent plea to go and help them has been repeatedly denied by Israeli authorities,” said OCHA’s Gloria Lazic, who is in Gaza.
More than 40 people from three families are reportedly trapped under the rubble, “and we don’t know if we finally get this approval how many will still be alive,” she said, stressing that “every minute counts”.
Children queue for food in Gaza.
Step up aid, improve security: UN envoy
Meanwhile, UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland was in Gaza on Tuesday where he saw firsthand the continued destruction and profound suffering of the people.
Mr. Wennesland had meetings with UN staff and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who told him about the alarming security and humanitarian situation across the enclave, especially in the north.
He said the challenges faced by the people of Gaza, including serious violations of international humanitarian law, are enormous, highlighting the urgent need for food, medical supplies and protection.
“A significant increase in the entry of humanitarian assistance and an improvement in security is urgently required,” he said.
The envoy reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s repeated call for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.
“I call on all relevant parties to urgently pursue these goals,” he said. “Gaza is an integral part of Palestine. Ultimately, the solution for Gaza is political.”
