The healthcare system in northern Gaza is in a critical state, with a collapse that has prevented residents from receiving necessary medical assistance. Israel has launched a devastating offensive since early October, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,800 Palestinians, leaving around 75,000 residents of Gaza trapped in the area despite evacuation orders.
Mercy Corps' executive director, Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, expressed concern over the evident failures to meet international standards and called for urgent action to prevent further suffering and loss of life in the region. Meanwhile, Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, denounced that humanitarian aid that manages to reach northern Gaza is often looted due to the presence of Israel, which has destroyed the infrastructure of the Palestinian Police.
In a joint report, eight humanitarian organizations such as Anera, Care, MedGlobal, among others, lamented that the situation in Gaza is "worse than ever." It was highlighted that Israel has not complied with the United States' demands to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Despite failing to meet most of the required measures, Israel has approved some actions to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, according to local media reports.
The delivery of essential supplies, such as food and water, remains a challenge in the region. Although Israel claims to have facilitated the entry of aid, humanitarian agencies disagree with the reported figures. The opening of a new crossing in southern Gaza aims to increase the distribution of medical supplies, food, and water in the central and southern parts of the Strip, in an effort to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
For its part, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has urged Israel to suspend laws that hinder its operations in Gaza. The US Government warned that if the situation in Gaza does not improve, it may reduce its military support to Israel. The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza remains critical, with an urgent need to increase the flow of essential supplies to prevent further deterioration of the crisis.
