UN Reports Humanitarian Aid Blockade in Gaza

Humanitarian aid to North Gaza has been severely restricted for 66 days following Israel's ground offensive that began on October 6, leaving 65,000 to 75,000 Palestinians without access to essential resources such as food, water, electricity, and healthcare. The United Nations reported that the ongoing siege has particularly affected areas like Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabaliya, where many residents are denied aid. Recently, around 5,500 individuals were forcibly displaced from schools in Beit Lahiya to Gaza City, exacerbating the crisis. Currently, only four UN-supported bakeries are operational in the Gaza Strip, all located in Gaza City, highlighting the food crisis. Sigrid Kaag, the senior UN humanitarian coordinator for Gaza, emphasized the dire conditions facing civilians and urged the international community to exert political pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian access. The UN has prepared logistics for aid operations but stresses that political will is crucial to address the worsening humanitarian situation.