ABOUT 100 thousand people have recently fled North Gaza. They are now taking shelter in schools, buildings or emergency shelters in Gaza City.
“The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that in North Gaza province, almost all incoming humanitarian supplies and services have stopped,” said United Nations (UN) spokesman Stephane Dujarric during a press conference, on Friday (1/11) local time.
“This situation is caused by the ongoing siege by Israeli security forces, limited supplies, and the displacement of aid workers,” Dujarric continued.
He added that around 75 thousand people are estimated to still be in North Gaza province.
“With no electricity or fuel since October 1, only two of the eight water wells in the Jabalia refugee camp are still functioning, and even then only partially,” he added.
Israel continues to pound the Gaza Strip after the attack carried out by the Hamas group on October 7 last year.
In fact, the UN Security Council has passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Local health authorities said the onslaught had resulted in more than 43,200 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, and more than 101,800 injuries.
On the other hand, spokesperson for the UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Jens Laerke said there was no signal that negotiations were taking place between the Hezbollah group, Lebanon and Israel.
“The short answer is no, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t signs. It’s because we can’t track them and look at them systematically… We know that there are political processes going on simultaneously. Of course we want that to happen because ultimately “We want this conflict to end,” Laerke said at a press conference in Geneva when asked if there were any attempts at negotiations.
The Ynet news portal reported earlier this week, citing top Israeli officials, that Israel is actively negotiating a ceasefire with Lebanon, with the participation of the United States (US), and is interested in Russia playing a special role in ensuring compliance with the deal in the future.
Meanwhile, the Russian Government is ready to assist in resolving conflicts in the Middle East and has contacts with all relevant parties.
Speaking to the press in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman;– the Russian president’s office–Dmitry Peskov commented on media reports that Israel asked Russia to be a mediator in contacts with Hezbollah.
Peskov then quoted President Vladimir Putin, who had previously said that Moscow was maintaining contacts with all relevant parties.
“And of course, if our efforts can be effective somewhere, then Russia is ready to do so,” Peskov said. (Anadolu/Ant/P-3)
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Humanitarian situation in Gaza
**Interview on the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis**
**Host:** Welcome to our program. Today, we’re discussing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has escalated dramatically since the outbreak of war in October 2023. Joining us is humanitarian expert Dr. Sarah Ahmad, who has been working in the region for over a decade. Thank you for being here, Dr. Ahmad.
**Dr. Ahmad:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Recently, there’s been alarming news about the mass displacement of people in Gaza, particularly from North Gaza. Can you share what’s happening there?
**Dr. Ahmad:** Yes, it’s truly heartbreaking. Approximately 100,000 people have fled North Gaza due to the ongoing hostilities and an effective blockade that has left them without access to essential supplies. Many are sheltering in schools and makeshift emergency facilities in Gaza City.
**Host:** The United Nations has reported that nearly all humanitarian supplies to North Gaza have halted. What are the implications of this?
**Dr. Ahmad:** The implications are severe. With supplies cut off, we’re facing potential famine and a complete healthcare collapse. Basic services have ceased, and many people are left without food, water, or medical care. The situation is dire and urgent.
**Host:** What does the current situation look like in terms of health and safety for those remaining in North Gaza?
**Dr. Ahmad:** It’s catastrophic. There’s no electricity or fuel, which has crippled the water supply—only two of eight wells in the Jabalia refugee camp are operational. The health infrastructure has been devastated, and reports indicate over 43,200 deaths, mostly among women and children, and over 101,800 injuries since the start of the conflict.
**Host:** The UN Security Council has called for a ceasefire. Do you believe there’s a chance for peace negotiations to take place?
**Dr. Ahmad:** Unfortunately, the signals are not encouraging. The ongoing violence, coupled with the lack of communication between factions, makes negotiations highly complex. Humanitarian needs must be prioritized, but without mutual agreement, it’s challenging to envisage a peaceful resolution.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Ahmad, for shedding light on this critical situation. We hope for a swift resolution and relief for those suffering in Gaza.
**Dr. Ahmad:** Thank you for having me, and for raising awareness about this urgent humanitarian crisis.
**Host:** Our thoughts are with all impacted by this ongoing conflict. Thank you for tuning in; we will continue to follow this story closely.
