Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Calls for Temporary Truce Amid Israeli Offensive

The U.N. Palestinian refugee agency has called for a temporary truce to allow the evacuation of civilians from northern Gaza. The region faces a severe humanitarian crisis due to an ongoing Israeli assault. Despite aid deliveries, Gaza health services are overwhelmed, and living conditions have drastically worsened.

The U.N. Palestinian refugee agency urgently called for a temporary truce on Tuesday, aiming to facilitate the evacuation of civilians from northern Gaza. Health officials in the area report severe shortages of medical supplies as the Israeli offensive extends into its third week, causing a mounting humanitarian crisis.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the relief agency UNRWA, highlighted the dire conditions, stating, "In northern Gaza, people are just waiting to die." The call for an immediate truce allows families a safe passage from the area to safer locations, as bodies lie unattended by roadsides or under debris.

Amid these calls for peace, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel, urging leaders to consider ending the prolonged conflict, accentuated by the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Israel claims to have facilitated humanitarian aid deliveries, but Gaza medics report these supplies have yet to reach those in need.

(With inputs from agencies.)