Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), has recently shed light on the catastrophic conditions in Gaza, particularly within the Jabaliya refugee camp. In an exclusive interview, he described the impact of a significant Israeli military offensive that is worsening hunger and obstructing vital health services. Lazzarini estimates that “at least 400,000 people are trapped in the area,” with alarming reports of uncollected bodies lying in the streets amidst the violence.
As the conflict intensifies, Lazzarini pointed out that recent evacuation orders from Israeli authorities are forcing civilians into a seemingly endless cycle of fleeing, particularly from Jabaliya camp. However, he noted that many are unwilling to leave, understanding that there is no safe haven left in Gaza. “People are fleeing repeatedly, but they know that other areas provide no sanctuary,” he explained.
The Israeli military, now in the fifth day of its operations, claims its actions are aimed at preventing Hamas fighters from launching attacks and regrouping. Lazzarini, however, expressed his deep concern over the shutdown of UNRWA shelters and services for the first time since the conflict erupted. He emphasized that basic supplies are rapidly running out, contributing to a resurgence of hunger in northern Gaza. “This military operation also jeopardizes the second phase of the polio vaccination campaign for children,” he said.
While Israeli officials have not directly addressed Lazzarini’s comments, they assert that food deliveries to Gaza are being facilitated despite the current operational challenges.
The situation in northern Gaza remains critical, with Israeli tanks and infantry conducting aggressive assaults while asserting that these measures are essential to undermine Hamas’s ability to regroup. Alongside ongoing evacuation orders, several hospitals in the area, including Kamal Adwan, Indonesia, and Al-Awda hospitals, have been ordered to close once again. The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights described the situation as “déjà vu,” warning that historical patterns suggest severe repercussions from these actions.
International medical organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has also sounded the alarm over the deteriorating conditions. Mahmoud, a guardian with MSF, shared his harrowing experience while escaping from Jabaliya, stating, “We left our home in despair, under bombs, missiles, and artillery. It was incredibly difficult. I would rather die than be displaced to the south; my home is here, and I do not want to leave.”
Sarah Vuylsteke, a project coordinator with MSF in Gaza, condemned the forced displacements, arguing, “The push to move thousands from northern Gaza to the south is turning the north into a lifeless desert while worsening conditions in the south.” She highlighted the extreme scarcity of essential resources like clean water and healthcare, stressing that accommodating more displaced individuals is unimaginable. “People have suffered relentless displacement and constant bombing over the past 12 months. Enough is enough. This must stop now.”
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and numerous humanitarian facilities have been affected by the latest round of military evacuations across Gaza. Evacuations were mandated for various regions in the north, central Deir al-Balah, and southern Khan Younis from Saturday through Monday. OCHA warned of increasing barriers to humanitarian access, especially between southern and northern Gaza.
In the ongoing violence, Palestinian medics reported that at least 18 individuals died overnight due to the latest Israeli military strikes, including five children and two women. Strikes targeted makeshift tents in the Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps, and a family home in Jabaliya was also hit, leading to further tragic losses including at least nine fatalities. The civilian toll continues to climb, with Gaza’s ministry of health reporting over 42,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, alongside nearly 98,000 injuries.
