UN rights office raises alarm over relentless Israeli attacks in north Gaza

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has expressed growing alarm over Israel’s military operations in northern Gaza, warning that the combination of relentless attacks, forced displacement and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid could amount to the wholesale “destruction” of the Palestinian population in the region.

Life has become “impossible” for civilians trapped in the north amid repeated orders to move and severely limited access to essential humanitarian supplies, leaving many on the brink of starvation, OHCHR said on Sunday.

“While the Israeli military has demanded that all civilians leave north Gaza, it has continued to relentlessly bomb and attack the area, especially in and around Jabalya Camp. These attacks have made it extremely dangerous for civilians to flee.”

It also reported fears among Palestinians that leaving could mean they will never be allowed to return to their homes.

Israeli forces have destroyed homes and schools serving as shelters, leaving many civilians with no refuge as winter approaches.

A deadly airstrike on Saturday hit a residential block in Beit Lahiya, killing at least 87 people, according to the Gazan health ministry.

Attacks on hospital

The suffering has deepened further as hospitals struggle with critical shortages of fuel and medical supplies, and rescue teams report being blocked or attacked while attempting lifesaving operations.

“Hospitals have been hit and are left without power while injured people are left without care,” Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said on social media.

“Denying and weaponising humanitarian assistance to achieve military purposes is a sign of how low the moral compass is…no one should beg to assist or to be assisted,” he added.

Every minute counts

UN Relief Coordination Office, OCHA, urged Israeli authorities to allow immediate access to rescue dozens still trapped under rubble.

“Every minute counts…previously, delayed approvals resulted in rescue teams only recovering dead bodies,” it said in a post on X.

Internet access has been disrupted and at least three Palestinian journalists were killed, limiting the flow of information from the region.

War must stop now

The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process also condemned the continuing attacks.

“The nightmare in Gaza is intensifying. Horrifying scenes are unfolding in the northern Strip amidst conflict, relentless Israeli strikes and an ever-worsening humanitarian crisis,” Tor Wennesland said in a statement on Sunday.

He called for the immediate end of the war, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and an end to forced displacement. He emphasised the need to protect civilians and allow unimpeded humanitarian aid.

“The path ahead will require courage, political will and renewed dialogue. We owe it to the families suffering in Gaza and Israel. The war must stop now.”