The UN human rights chief recently described the ongoing conflict in Gaza as reaching its “darkest moment,” particularly in the northern region where Israel has initiated a ground offensive aimed at preventing Hamas fighters from regrouping. In an interview, Volker Türk emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “As we speak, the Israeli military is subjecting an entire population to bombing, siege, and risk of starvation.” He urged world leaders to take action, reminding them of their obligations under the Geneva Conventions to uphold international humanitarian law.
While the Israeli military has not immediately responded to these claims, they have reported that their troops have eliminated “hundreds of terrorists” and evacuated approximately 45,000 civilians from Jabalia since launching their operations there on October 6.
Meanwhile, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed his deep concern regarding reports of Israeli forces raiding one of the few hospitals still operational in northern Gaza. He revealed that the WHO had lost contact with Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahia, which is currently overwhelmed with nearly 200 patients amidst the ongoing offensive in the nearby Jabalia area.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claimed that Israeli troops have detained patients, staff, and displaced individuals. In contrast, the Israeli military stated that their forces are operating “in the area” based on intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists.