Gaza City: The UN on Tuesday reported that Israel either denied or impeded all life-saving assistance attempts in the northern Gaza Strip in November. “Our colleagues in the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report that none of the UN’s 41 attempts to reach Palestinians in besieged areas of North Gaza with life-saving assistance this month has been facilitated by Israeli authorities,” deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said at a news conference.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, Farhan Haq elaborated that 37 of these attempts were outright denied by Israeli authorities. Additionally, four missions were initially approved but faced obstacles on the ground, achieving only partial success. The situation is becoming increasingly dire as winter approaches, with thousands of forcibly displaced Palestinians facing heightened vulnerability. Haq also highlighted the urgent health risks posed by sewage accumulation in densely populated areas.
Haq addressed rumors regarding the UN ag
ency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) evacuating its premises in occupied East Jerusalem. He clarified that UNRWA continues its operations across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, serving Palestine Refugees. Despite facing increased challenges, Haq emphasized that the agency remains committed to executing its mandate and delivering its programs.