‘The smell of death is everywhere’ in northern Gaza, UNRWA chief says

UNRWA staff report that they cannot find food, water or medical care, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini wrote on X.

‘Just waiting to die’

“The smell of death is everywhere as bodies are left lying on the roads or under the rubble. Missions to clear the bodies or provide humanitarian assistance are denied,” he said.

“In northern Gaza, people are just waiting to die. They feel deserted, hopeless and alone. They live from one hour to the next, fearing death at every second.”

Allow families to leave

Mr. Lazzarini said that throughout the war, some staff stayed in the north and “did the impossible” to support those internally displaced and some UNRWA shelters were kept open despite heavy bombardments and attacks on the agency’s buildings.

“On behalf of our staff in northern Gaza, I am calling for an immediate truce, even if for few hours, to enable safe humanitarian passage for families who wish to leave the area and reach safer places,” he said.

“This is the bare minimum to save the lives of civilians who have nothing to do with this conflict.”

Trapped under rubble

The UN humanitarian aid office, OCHA, is reporting that for five days, people have been trapped under the rubble in the Falouja area of Jabalia.

“Our urgent plea to go and help them has been repeatedly denied by Israeli authorities,” said OCHA’s Gloria Lazic, who is in Gaza.

More than 40 people from three families are reportedly trapped under the rubble, “and we don’t know if we finally get this approval how many will still be alive,” she said, stressing that “every minute counts”. 

More to follow…