The United Nations has sounded an urgent alarm about the catastrophic situation in northern Gaza, describing it as "apocalyptic" and warning that the entire population is at "imminent risk" of death due to disease, famine, and violence. The warning comes as Israel continues its genocide in Gaza, with the humanitarian crisis deepening daily.
In a joint statement issued by 14 UN agencies, including UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, officials called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access. The heads of these agencies emphasized that the scale of suffering in northern Gaza now threatens to surpass all previous crises in the region.
"The entire Palestinian population in North Gaza is at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine, and violence," the statement read. "The region has been under siege for over a month, denied basic aid and lifesaving supplies while bombardment and displacement continue unabated."
According to UN estimates, up to 100,000 people remain stranded in northern Gaza, particularly in Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun. Reports from humanitarian groups indicate that medical supplies, food, and water are nearly depleted, leaving thousands at risk of starvation and malnutrition. The independent Famine Review Committee has issued a rare alert, warning that famine thresholds in northern Gaza may already have been crossed.
Aid organizations have struggled to deliver assistance to Gaza. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the number of aid trucks entering Gaza plummeted to an average of 58 per day in late October, down from 200 per day in previous months. Aid workers have faced mounting risks, with numerous reports of facilities, including hospitals and schools, being struck by airstrikes.
"Humanitarian aid cannot keep pace with the scale of needs due to severe access constraints," the UN statement said. "Basic, life-saving goods are not available, and humanitarians are blocked from reaching people in need, either by insecurity or by restrictions imposed by Israeli forces."
The UN and global food security experts have urged all parties involved in the conflict to protect civilians and facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access. The Famine Review Committee stated that "immediate action, within days, not weeks, is required to avert and alleviate this catastrophic situation."
The United States has expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza. USAID Administrator Samantha Power raised the issue with Israel’s ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, calling for immediate improvements. A deadline set by Washington looms for Israel to address the crisis or potentially face restrictions on US military aid.
"The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza is dire, and immediate steps must be taken to get aid to those in need," Power stated.
The ongoing crisis in Gaza has claimed tens of thousands of lives. According to the Palestinian health ministry, over 43,000 people have been killed since October 2023, with most casualties being civilians. UN officials warn that the scale of suffering could worsen unless urgent action is taken.
The UN has reiterated its call for a ceasefire to enable humanitarian operations and prevent further loss of life. "The entire region is on the edge of a precipice," the statement concluded. "An immediate, sustained, and unconditional ceasefire is long overdue."
Image caption: A view of Deir al-Balah Secondary School of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Near East (UNRWA) after Palestinians take refuge there to escape from Israeli attacks in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on November 7, 2024. [Ashraf Amra – Anadolu Agency]