UN agencies and Oxfam expressed grave concern on Wednesday about the depletion of food supplies in northern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are already facing starvation after Israel closed the only functioning crossing there last week.
Israel launched its long-anticipated ground offensive on northern Gaza City on Tuesday and is intensifying efforts to evacuate civilians by opening an additional route for those heading south.
Hundreds of thousands of people are seeking refuge in the city, many of them reluctant to comply with Israeli orders to move due to the dangers along the route, harsh conditions, food shortages in the southern area, and fear of permanent displacement.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement, “There are grave concerns that fuel and food stocks could run out within days, as there are currently no direct entry points for aid into northern Gaza. Moving supplies from the south to the north is increasingly challenging due to increased road congestion and insecurity.”
