### UN Warns of "Apocalyptic" Conditions in Northern Gaza Amid Israeli Offensive

The situation in northern Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, according to top United Nations officials. In an alarming joint statement, heads of several UN agencies, including Unicef and the World Food Programme, along with other aid organizations, drew attention to the dire humanitarian crisis. They highlighted the "imminent risk of death from disease, famine, and violence" facing the entire Palestinian population in the region.

Israel initiated an extensive military campaign in northern Gaza last month, targeting Hamas militants. In response, the United States has been closely monitoring the situation to ensure that Israeli actions do not constitute a "policy of starvation." However, UN officials have raised concerns that humanitarian efforts are severely hampered by restrictions on aid worker access, with basic necessities remaining out of reach for the affected populations.

"Humanitarians are not safe to do their work and are blocked by Israeli forces and by insecurity from reaching people in need," the UN statement read. The officials urged both Israel and Hamas to protect civilians and called for an immediate cessation of the assault on Gaza and humanitarian workers.

Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, contended last month that the issue was not a shortage of aid, noting that over a million tons of supplies had been delivered over the past year. He charged Hamas with misappropriating the assistance, a claim that Hamas denied, blaming Israel for the shortages instead.

As the humanitarian crisis worsens, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported that approximately 100,000 individuals in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun are stranded without medical or food supplies. Although Reuters was unable to verify these numbers independently, the alarming figure underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.

On Friday, USAid administrator Samantha Power communicated with Israel's ambassador to the United States regarding the dire situation. USAid spokesperson Benjamin Suarato stated that Power conveyed serious concerns about the humanitarian conditions in northern Gaza and emphasized the necessity of increasing aid to Palestinian people.

The United States has given Israel until 13 November to take necessary steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis or potentially face restrictions on US military aid.