Amid intense fighting in northern Gaza, a further 20,000 people were forced to flee Jabalya camp on Friday, seeking refuge in United Nations shelters. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), highlighted the dire situation, stating that people have lost everything and are in urgent need of essentials such as food, water, blankets, and mattresses.
Despite a small delivery of flour into Gaza City this week, the supplies remain insufficient to meet the escalating needs of the population. Only a limited number of bakeries have been able to increase bread production for distribution to those seeking shelter in UNRWA facilities.
The Biden administration has issued a letter to the Israeli government, urging immediate action to improve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza within the next 30 days to avoid violating US laws governing foreign military assistance.
Communication and internet disruptions have further exacerbated the situation, with critical shortages of fuel and medical supplies in operational hospitals. Fuel scarcity has also impacted access to water, compounding the challenges faced by residents.
Paltel, Gaza's primary internet service provider, reported a complete blackout in the northern Gaza Strip due to ongoing military hostilities. Jabalya camp has been a target of sustained strikes following mass evacuations ordered by the Israeli military, resulting in significant casualties, including the loss of at least 33 lives on Friday night, with 21 women among the victims, as reported by Gaza's Government Media Office.
