Statement by Muhannad Hadi, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory
East Jerusalem, 13 October 2024
The pressure on over 400,000 people remaining in northern Gaza to leave southwards is mounting.
Since 1 October 2024, Israeli authorities have increasingly cut off northern Gaza from essential supplies. Erez and Erez West crossings have been kept closed, and no essentials have been allowed from the south. Three renewed orders have been issued – on 7, 9 and 12 October – directing people to displace. In parallel, hostilities continue to escalate, resulting in more civilian suffering and casualties.
In the past two weeks, over 50,000 people have been displaced from the Jabalya area, which is cut off, while others remain stranded in their homes amid increased bombardment and fighting. A military siege that deprives civilians of essential means of survival is unacceptable.
The latest military operations in northern Gaza have forced the closure of water wells, bakeries, medical points and shelters, as well as the suspension of protection services, malnutrition treatment, and temporary learning spaces. At the same time, hospitals have seen an influx of trauma injuries.
Civilians must be protected, and their basic needs must be met. Multiple entry routes must open for critical supplies and safe humanitarian response needs to be provided to people in need wherever they are. Civilians must not be forced to choose between displacement and starvation. They must have a safe place to go, with shelter, food, medicine and water. In Gaza, there are no more supplies available to support newly displaced people.
Those who leave must be given the opportunity to return.
I reiterate that international humanitarian law must always be respected by all.
