UNRWA raises alarm as “Israeli” assault on Gaza enters 420th day

“Israeli” airstrikes have relentlessly targeted buildings across Gaza, focusing on residential homes and crippling all aspects of life in the besieged enclave. The assault, now in its 420th day, has left Gaza in ruins.

The Civil Defense in Gaza reported Friday that an “Israeli” strike hit a home on Al-Wahda Street in western Gaza City, killing three people and wounding at least five others.

In addition, another home was struck in the Al-Zeitoun neighborhood south of Gaza City, while buildings in Jabalia, in northern Gaza, were also destroyed.

Palestinian sources said the assault on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza has persisted for hours, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries.

The sources noted that the “Israeli” military deployed airstrikes, artillery, and ground forces, including drones and robotic combat units, targeting residential towers, homes, and agricultural lands north of the camp.

Rising death toll

The death toll from the ongoing assault has reached 44,330, with 104,933 wounded since October 7.

Humanitarian crisis escalates

The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that all bakeries in central Gaza have shut down due to severe supply shortages.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned of worsening food insecurity, highlighting that two-thirds of children treated for acute malnutrition in 2024 were recorded in the past five months.

Civil Defense services in Gaza announced a complete shutdown in Gaza City, Rafah, and northern areas of the enclave, citing the Israeli blockade on fuel supplies.

UNRWA Raises Alarm

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) stated that between 65,000 and 75,000 people remain in northern Gaza under dire conditions. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the agency said these individuals have faced life-threatening circumstances for over 50 days, as aid has been largely blocked from reaching Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun amid ongoing hostilities and worsening weather conditions.

Egypt's ceasefire proposal

Egypt has presented a comprehensive proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, while an Egyptian security delegation is set to visit Tel Aviv on Thursday.

According to Palestinian media, the Egyptian plan includes minor modifications compared to a previous agreement brokered in Lebanon. The proposed ceasefire would be temporary to facilitate negotiations on the "day after" arrangements.

Egyptian sources expressed optimism about an impending agreement, citing US support for Egypt's coordinated efforts with Qatar and Turkey. Turkey has reportedly engaged in indirect mediation, maintaining contact with resistance leaders, some of whom relocated from Doha to Istanbul in recent weeks.