UN Aid Agency Says Israel Blocking Humanitarian Aid From Reaching Northern Gaza

Illustration of humanitarian aid convoys in Gaza. (Source: IDF)

JAKARTA - The head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA said on Monday that Israeli authorities were still preventing humanitarian missions from reaching the northern Gaza Strip with vital supplies including medicine and food for the besieged.

Hospitals have been hit and have no electricity while the wounded are not receiving treatment, Philippe Lazzarini said at X.

"The remaining shelters at UNRWA are severely overcrowded, with some displaced people now forced to live in toilets. According to reports, people trying to escape are being killed, their bodies left in the streets. Missions to rescue people from under the rubble are also being denied," he wrote, as reported by Reuters on October 22.

Meanwhile, there was no immediate comment from Israel on the UNRWA statement.

Previously, Israel said it was sending large quantities of humanitarian supplies to Gaza via ground shipments, including one on Monday morning, and by air.

It also said it had facilitated the evacuation of patients from Kamal Adwan Hospital.

"Humanitarian agencies including UNRWA must have access to northern Gaza. Denying humanitarian aid and weaponizing it to achieve military objectives is a sign of low morals," Lazzarini said.

He said aid must reach everyone in need in the Palestinian enclave, including children and Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants.

"A ceasefire is the beginning of the end of this endless nightmare," he added.

Israel began a major military offensive in northern Gaza, especially inside Jabalia, the largest of the eight historic camps in the enclave, more than two weeks ago, with the stated aim of preventing Hamas fighters from regrouping.