UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay said the Israeli military was preventing food and water supplies from entering besieged northern Gaza.
Around 75,000 to 95,000 Palestinians are trapped and need aid supplies for their survival.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Tremblay said the only UN aid Israel had allowed into the north since the start of its siege a month ago was hospital supplies during medical evacuation missions.
“Israel’s bombings and ground operations also prevent humanitarian workers from reaching people in need,” he said.
The UN humanitarian aid representative for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians in the war-torn region.
“Raised measures that require immediate implementation to address the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza and underscores the UN’s position on UNRWA,” UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay told reporters.
The Israeli military has imposed a blockade on Gaza since October 2023, preventing the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the war-torn enclave and causing severe shortages of food, medicine and clean water for the region’s residents.
Israel’s severe restrictions on food and other humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza have been described as an Israeli state policy to “weaponize” hunger in the Palestinian territory.
Israel’s parliament also voted on October 28 to ban the United Nations agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which the UN and aid groups have described as a disaster for the people of Gaza and Palestinian communities in need in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (Ant/Z-2)
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**Interview with UN Spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay on the Humanitarian Crisis in Northern Gaza**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Stephanie. The situation in northern Gaza is dire, with reports indicating that 75,000 to 95,000 residents are facing acute hunger. Can you elaborate on the current humanitarian conditions there?
**Stephanie Tremblay:** Thank you for having me. The conditions in northern Gaza are extremely concerning. The Israeli military’s blockade has severely restricted the flow of essential supplies, including food and water. Since the beginning of the siege a month ago, we’ve seen very limited aid allowed into the region—principally hospital supplies for medical evacuations. This means that the majority of the population is left without critical support.
**Editor:** What has been the response from Israel regarding humanitarian aid access?
**Stephanie Tremblay:** Unfortunately, efforts from the UN to gain access to northern Gaza have been met with resistance. Our requests for assistance, particularly in the Jabalia area, have been rejected multiple times. This lack of access is significantly exacerbating the already fragile conditions for those trapped within the zone.
**Editor:** Are there any plans for the UN to push for more aid access in the near future?
**Stephanie Tremblay:** We are actively working on this front. The UN continues to advocate for the safety and well-being of civilians caught in conflict zones. We are in constant dialogue with various stakeholders, including Israel, to emphasize the urgent need for humanitarian access, and we hope for a positive response soon.
**Editor:** What can international communities do to assist those in northern Gaza at this point?
**Stephanie Tremblay:** International communities can raise awareness about the crisis and advocate for humanitarian access. Support for organizations that provide aid to the region is also crucial. Ultimately, diplomatic efforts must be intensified to ensure that aid can reach those who require it most urgently.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Stephanie. The situation in northern Gaza is certainly critical, and it’s vital we stay informed and engaged.
**Stephanie Tremblay:** Thank you for bringing attention to this humanitarian crisis. It’s essential that we work together to find solutions.
