At a press briefing in New York on Monday, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said hospitals in northern Gaza had been hit by the attack, which made an already severe humanitarian crisis more challenging and threatened the lives of thousands of people. Humans are at risk.
The UN chief expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation of civilians in northern Gaza and said that the respect and protection of civilians must always be ensured.
But currently they are facing mass displacement and lack of essential items for survival.
“The violations of international humanitarian law we are witnessing by all parties to this violent conflict in Gaza are unacceptable. “Accountability must be determined for international crimes committed by any party.”
On the other hand, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has expressed deep concern over the actions of the Israeli military in northern Gaza. He warned that the Palestinian people in the region could face total destruction due to continued attacks by Israeli troops, forced displacement and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid.
According to the UN Human Rights Office, civilians trapped in northern Gaza are repeatedly ordered to leave, while access to essential humanitarian aid supplies is limited.
This situation is creating starvation-like conditions for a large number of Palestinians.
The Israeli military has asked all civilians to leave northern Gaza. Also, there are constant bombings and attacks, especially around the Jabalia camp.
These attacks have made it extremely dangerous for ordinary citizens to flee for their lives. Palestinian families also fear that once they leave, they will not be able to return to their homes.
It is reported that the Israeli army has demolished houses and schools used as shelters, leaving many people with no place to shelter after the winter season approaches.
A deadly airstrike targeted a residential compound in Beit Lahia on Saturday, killing at least 87 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Hospital attack
The suffering of the Palestinian population has deepened as hospitals lack essential fuel and medical supplies, while rescue workers are besieged or attacked during life-saving operations.
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), said on social media that hospitals had been attacked and there were now power outages. The injured are not getting the necessary treatment.
He warned that denying access to humanitarian aid in need and using it as a weapon shows how morally bad the situation is. “No one has to beg for help or accept it.”
Every minute counts
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) called on the Israeli administration to allow relief workers to reach the area as soon as possible to rescue people buried under the rubble.
“Every minute counts…Previously, due to permit delays, rescue teams were only able to recover bodies,” the UN office wrote in a message on social media.
The internet has been shut down in the area and at least three Palestinian journalists have lost their lives, affecting the flow of information about the situation there.
UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Tor Vannesland also condemned the continued attacks on civilians in Gaza in a statement on Sunday. He called for an immediate end to the fighting and the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas.
Tor Vannesland says the dire situation in Gaza is deteriorating and the horrific scenes of destruction are visible amid Israel’s continued attacks on northern Gaza. The humanitarian crisis is intensifying.