UN Warns of Escalating Crisis in Northern Gaza Amid Israel’s Ground Offensive
The United Nations’ top human rights official, Volker Türk, has issued a grave warning, describing the situation in northern Gaza as the conflict’s “darkest moment.” His comments come as Israel continues a ground campaign aimed at preventing Hamas fighters from regrouping in the region. Türk called upon world leaders to intervene, reminding them of their duty under the Geneva Conventions to uphold humanitarian principles in conflict.
“An entire population is facing relentless bombing, siege, and the threat of starvation,” Türk stated, urging states to step in to protect civilians. Israel has not yet responded directly, though it previously reported that its forces have “neutralized hundreds of terrorists” and evacuated 45,000 civilians from Jabalia since operations intensified on October 6.
Meanwhile, World Health Organization (WHO) director Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed alarm over reports of Israeli forces entering one of northern Gaza’s few remaining hospitals, Kamal Adwan in Beit Lahia. As the facility overflowed with nearly 200 patients and hundreds of displaced civilians, WHO teams reportedly lost contact with the hospital during the raid, sparking concerns about the safety of patients and staff.
Gaza’s health ministry, under Hamas administration, alleged that Israeli soldiers detained staff, patients, and displaced individuals. Israeli officials acknowledged operating in the area, citing intelligence suggesting Hamas presence in the vicinity.
Reports from Jabalia have highlighted a significant toll on Palestinian civilians, with hundreds killed and thousands uprooted. Those unable or unwilling to comply with evacuation orders face increasingly dire shortages of food and essential supplies, while Türk warned that the area was enduring “non-stop” bombardment, with forced displacements stripping the area of its residents. He cautioned that these actions risked escalating to “atrocity crimes” and possibly “crimes against humanity.”
Türk also condemned reports that Palestinian armed groups were allegedly operating from civilian areas, further endangering the population. He called for adherence to universally accepted international laws, urging the world to prioritize human rights and civilian protection, stating, “These are binding norms meant to preserve the bare minimum of humanity.”
The WHO confirmed that its teams reached Kamal Adwan on Thursday night amid heavy hostilities and managed to transfer 23 patients to Gaza City’s al-Shifa hospital, though contact was lost soon afterward. Dr. Tedros urged for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need to safeguard medical facilities and humanitarian workers.
In a separate statement, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi urged U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to press Israel over the humanitarian crisis and alleged mass displacement, which he described as “ethnic cleansing.” Safadi also warned of a potential regional conflict, citing growing tensions across the Middle East.
While Blinken discussed a ceasefire and long-term plans for Gaza during a diplomatic tour, Israel remains focused on dismantling Hamas. On Thursday, Israel’s Chief of Staff General Herzi Halevi visited troops in Jabalia, telling them they were gaining ground in their mission against Hamas.
As efforts continue to seek diplomatic solutions, Israel’s intelligence chief is set to meet U.S. and Qatari officials in Doha to discuss terms for a ceasefire and potential hostage releases. Since October 7, when Hamas launched its attack on Israel, around 42,840 people have been reported killed in Gaza, as per Gaza’s health ministry.
