UNITED NATIONS, Nov 8 (Alliance News): A month-long Israeli siege in northern Gaza has pushed civilians to the brink, depriving them of basic survival needs like water, UN humanitarian officials warned on Friday. Reports of ongoing airstrikes have further raised concerns.
UN Associate Spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay told reporters that aid workers face severe challenges due to insecurity and Israeli restrictions, preventing them from reaching those in need.
“Palestinians there have no protection as the bombardment continues,” she stated, adding that the entire population in northern Gaza faces the risk of disease, famine, and violence.
UN agencies estimate that around 14,000 displaced Palestinians are now living in shelters, including sites run by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Despite hostilities, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently evacuated 90 critically ill patients, including children, to safety in the UAE and Romania.
Meanwhile, about 40 UN aid trucks carrying essential supplies remain blocked at Egypt and Jordan’s borders, awaiting entry clearance. Only 16 trucks have entered Gaza since early October.
In Lebanon, infrastructure damage due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has worsened the humanitarian situation, with airstrikes affecting civilians.
The UN continues to provide aid in the region, delivering essentials to thousands of displaced people in collective shelters.
UN officials have reiterated the need to protect civilians and called on all parties to cease hostilities.
