The UN has revealed that Israel obstructed all efforts to deliver critical humanitarian aid to northern Gaza throughout November, leaving thousands of Palestinians in dire need.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN, reported that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) attempted 41 missions to provide life-saving assistance to the besieged region, but none succeeded. “Our colleagues in OCHA report that none of the 41 attempts to reach Palestinians in besieged areas of northern Gaza with life-saving assistance this month has been facilitated by the Israeli authorities,” Haq explained.
He added that Israel blocked 37 of the attempts while “four missions were approved, but then impeded on the ground and accomplished only partially.”
The situation in northern Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, with overcrowding, poor sanitation, and the risk of disease exacerbated by the onset of winter. Haq emphasised that displaced Palestinians face heightened vulnerabilities under these conditions.
Additionally, Haq dismissed reports claiming the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has evacuated its headquarters in East Jerusalem, stating the agency continues its operations in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza despite mounting challenges.
The UN also clarified that the term of Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, had naturally ended and denied allegations linking her departure to her stance on the Gaza crisis.
