A staggering 20,000 individuals were forced to evacuate the Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza on Friday due to escalating combat, according to a report from the United Nations. Many of those fleeing sought refuge in shelters provided by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, emphasized the dire conditions faced by the displaced. “People have lost everything. They need everything, including food, water, blankets, and mattresses—the basics of the basics,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of the humanitarian crisis.
While a shipment of flour arrived in Gaza City this week, Lazzarini noted that it was woefully inadequate to meet the increasing demands of the population. Currently, only a handful of bakeries have managed to increase their bread production to assist those seeking shelter with UNRWA.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the Biden administration dispatched a letter to the Israeli government this week, urging it to take immediate action to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza within the next 30 days. Failure to comply could lead to violations of U.S. laws that govern foreign military assistance.
The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by widespread disruptions to communication and internet services across Gaza City and northern regions. Critical shortages of fuel and medical supplies have also impacted the limited number of operational hospitals remaining in the area, according to Lazzarini. Additionally, fuel shortages have hampered access to clean water for those in need.
Paltel, the primary internet service provider in Gaza, confirmed on Saturday that there was a total internet blackout in the northern Gaza Strip. The company attributed this disruption to the ongoing military hostilities affecting the region.
The Jabalya camp has endured sustained airstrikes throughout October, following the Israeli military’s directives for mass evacuations from various parts of northern Gaza. On Friday night, airstrikes targeting the Jabalya refugee camp resulted in the deaths of at least 33 individuals, including 21 women, as reported by Gaza’s Government Media Office.
The situation in Jabalya reflects a broader humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where civilians are caught in the crossfire of ongoing military operations. As fighting continues, aid organizations and officials have expressed grave concerns about the safety and well-being of displaced populations.
Lazzarini called for urgent international assistance to address the mounting needs of those affected by the violence. “The people in Gaza are in desperate need of aid. We must not ignore their suffering, and it is our duty to provide support to those in crisis,” he urged.
As the conflict persists, the call for immediate humanitarian intervention has never been more pressing. With thousands displaced and basic necessities scarce, the global community is faced with the challenge of responding to an escalating humanitarian disaster.
