A Humanitarian Catastrophe Beyond Capacity in Northern Gaza

Thousands face death amid relentless bombings and severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

Northern Gaza is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, with residents enduring the harshest Israeli attacks and siege since the start of the war last year. The ongoing blockade and heavy bombardment, now on the tenth consecutive day, have left areas like Jabalia Camp, Sheikh Radwan, and Al-Saftawi in grave danger, as people struggle to survive without basic necessities while escaping relentless airstrikes.

The daily report issued this morning by Juzoor's team in North Gaza reveals a rapidly deteriorating health situation due to the lack of basic necessities including food and water. The report highlights that the region is on the brink of famine, with children and families having no access to food or safe drinking water. The team has noted signs of severe malnutrition, wasting, and weakness becoming increasingly apparent among children, threatening dozens of lives in the days ahead. People are not only at risk from bombings but also from starvation and a lack of safe drinking water.

Despite the dire conditions, Juzoor’s medical teams have provided first aid to more than thirty injured individuals and cared for around three thousand patients over the past two days. The teams have also assisted several displaced pregnant women in giving birth under challenging circumstances. The psychological toll is also worsening, with anxiety and fear spreading like a "psychological tsunami," particularly affecting children and the elderly among those trapped.

While Juzoor's team continues to deliver emergency services, a severe shortage of medical supplies now critically threatens the sustainability of these efforts. Without urgent intervention, the health crisis will worsen in the coming weeks, with many patients unable to receive life-saving treatment. (In the past two days, one of Juzoor's doctors suffered injuries leading to multiple cuts and burns and is currently receiving treatment at the medical points. Additionally, a nurse working with the organization sustained a severe head injury that has left him in a coma. Juzoor is coordinating with the World Health Organization to facilitate his transfer to Gaza City for appropriate medical care).

Urgent Appeal to the International Community

Juzoor for Health and Social Development urgently calls on the international community and humanitarian organizations to intervene immediately. There is a pressing need to lift the siege on Gaza and allow the entry of food, water, medicines, and medical supplies, particularly to the North. The situation in Northern Gaza is an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and is the embodiment of the violation of international laws and humanitarian principles.

Juzoor also demands an immediate halt to the bombings, ensuring the safe passage of residents and preventing further displacement. It is essential to grant medical teams access to affected areas to deliver necessary assistance.

Despite the immense dangers, Juzoor's team remains committed to their humanitarian mission. Our director in Gaza confirmed that, despite evacuation orders, the team has chosen to stay where they are, continuing their lifesaving work in shelters and health centers. Not even the threat of shells or missiles has deterred them from fulfilling their humanitarian duty, as they face the gravest crisis since the outbreak of the war on Gaza.