Crisis in Northern Gaza: Overcrowded Shelters and Humanitarian Access Denied

The United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has raised concerns about the dire living conditions in some shelters in northern Gaza, where overcrowding has forced people to live in toilets. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, has accused Israeli authorities of denying humanitarian access to parts of northern Gaza, leaving people under siege without critical supplies of medicine and food.

In addition to the overcrowded shelters, hospitals in Gaza are being targeted, and displaced people are being forced to live in unsanitary conditions. UNRWA’s Sam Rose has highlighted the lack of humanitarian supplies entering Gaza, comparing the current situation to last October-November.

Recent reports have indicated that Israel has intensified its operations in northern Gaza, with schools being besieged and homes destroyed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Israel has defended its actions, stating that Hamas uses the densely populated Jabalia refugee camp as a base.

Criticism has been directed at Israel for restricting aid deliveries to Gaza, although the country claims to have facilitated the flow of supplies into war-hit areas. Pressure has been mounting, including from the US, for Israel to increase aid deliveries to Gaza.

In a separate controversy, Israel has accused UNRWA employees of being involved in a deadly attack on Israel in October. The UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services found evidence implicating nine employees in the attack, leading to their dismissal in August. UNRWA denies collaborating with Hamas and emphasizes the sacrifices made by its staff members in the ongoing conflict.

Despite funding withdrawals from some countries following the allegations, support for UNRWA has been reinstated. The agency remains a crucial lifeline for Palestinians in Gaza during the ongoing war, providing essential aid to those in need.