Palestinians are “facing diminishing conditions for survival” in parts of northern Gaza under siege by Israeli forces because virtually no aid has been delivered in 40 days, the United Nations has warned.
The UN said all its attempts to support the estimated 65,000 to 75,000 people in Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia and Jabalia this month had been denied or impeded, forcing bakeries and kitchens to shut down.
Earlier this month, a UN-backed assessment said there was a strong likelihood that famine was imminent in areas of northern Gaza.
The Israeli military has said its six-week-long offensive targets regrouping Hamas fighters, and that it is facilitating civilian evacuations and supply deliveries to hospitals.
Hundreds of people have been killed and between 100,000 and 130,000 others have been displaced to Gaza City, where the UN has said essential resources like shelter, water and healthcare are severely limited.
Meanwhile, the US vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The 14 other Security Council members voted in favour, but the US said the text did not explicitly call for the immediate release of the hostages being held by Hamas as part of a ceasefire.
The resolution “demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire to be respected by all parties, and further reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages”.
Israel said the text was a “resolution for appeasement” of Hamas, but France said the resolution “very firmly” required the hostages’ release.
