UNRWA chief Filipe Lazzarini wrote on social media that agency workers said they were without food, water and medical care.
‘Helpless waiting for death’
Philippe Lazzarini said Israeli authorities were not allowing missions to remove bodies or distribute humanitarian aid.
“In northern Gaza, people are just waiting to die,” he said. They feel helpless, desperate and alone. They live only in moments and hours and they fear death at any moment.
Allow families to move to safety
Philippe Lazzarini said that throughout the war, some of the organization’s staff remained in northern Gaza and took almost impossible steps to help displaced people.
During this period, some UNRWA shelters remained open despite intense Israeli bombardment and attacks on agency buildings.
“On behalf of my staff in northern Gaza, I call for an immediate ceasefire, even if only for a few hours, to allow safe passage for those who want to leave the area and reach safety,” he said. “
“This is all we can do to save the lives of those who have nothing to do with this war.”
Trapped under the rubble
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (OCHA) said people have been trapped under rubble in the Fallujah area of Jabaliya for five days.
“Our requests to go there and help those people have been repeatedly rejected by the Israeli authorities,” said Gloria Lazik, an OCHA official in Gaza.
More than 40 people from three families are said to be trapped under the rubble, and “we don’t know how many of them will be alive when we get permission to go there and help.”
“Every minute counts,” Gloria emphasized.
Increasing humanitarian assistance, improving the security situation
Meanwhile, Special Envoy for the Middle East Tor Vanesland visited Gaza on Tuesday, where he saw first-hand the massive destruction and human suffering caused by the war.
Tor Vanesland met with UN staff and NGOs, who briefed him on the increasingly insecure and humanitarian situation across the Gaza Strip. The situation in northern Gaza is particularly dire.
The Special Envoy said the challenges facing the people of Gaza are widespread and include serious violations of international humanitarian law. The people of Gaza are in desperate need of food, medical supplies and protection.
“There is an urgent need to significantly increase the delivery of humanitarian aid and improve the security situation,” Tor Vannesland said.
The Special Envoy reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas.
Tor Vanesland said, “I call on all parties concerned to implement these goals immediately. Gaza is an integral part of Palestine. Ultimately, any solution to the Gaza situation can only be political.