The UN body highlighted in a report the deteriorating situation in north Gaza specifically around Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun.

Since 6 October, the Israeli army has taken measures that make life in north Gaza 'impossible' for Palestinians, with repeated orders for mass displacement, the report said.

Between 1 and 14 October, Israeli forces blocked essential supplies from entering northern Gaza, worsening an already dire situation where food and fuel were running dangerously low, leaving many at risk of starvation. 

After 15 October, limited aid has trickled in, but it falls far short of addressing the needs of the population.

While Israel's army has pushed all civilians to leave north Gaza, relentless Israeli airstrikes and bombings, particularly around Jabalia Camp, have made it perilous for people to flee.

The UN Human Rights Office has received reports over the last weeks of Palestinians targeted while fleeing.

"Many fear that if they leave, they may never be allowed to return to their homes in northern Gaza," the report read.

Moreover, Israeli troops have demolished residential buildings and attacked schools being used as shelters, leading to significant civilian casualties, including many women and children.

The report mentioned the Israeli airstrike on a Beit Lahia residential block on October 19 which killed at least 87 people in less than 24 hours.

A Palestinian boy receives treatment at the Kamal Adwan Hospital after an Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip . AFP

Targeting Hospitals
 

According to the report, the Israeli army resumed attacks on two of the three main hospitals in north Gaza putting even more pressure on the civilian population.

All three hospitals, already damaged in previous Israeli attacks, are also struggling with shortages of supplies and fuel.

The report cited rescue teams and medics reports citing continued restrictions and direct and indirect attacks by the Israeli military, hindering lifesaving operations, including the recovery of Palestinians trapped under rubble.

Furthermore, internet services in north Gaza have been disrupted since 19 October, and at least 3 Palestinian journalists were killed in the last 2 weeks, limiting the available information about the conditions of life in north Gaza.

Arbitrary detention
 

The UN Human Rights Office also cited reports indicating that tens of Palestinian men are being taken into custody by the Israeli army, raising fears that they may be subjected to arbitrary detention as well as torture and other ill-treatment, especially considering previous violations documented by the Office.

The UN body ended its report by demanding Israel to 'respect and protect civilians'.

It also reminds Israel of the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice on 26 January 2024 that it take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in relation to Palestinians in Gaza.

It also reminds Israel that, as the occupying power, it must ensure the provision of food, medical supplies and shelter for the population of Gaza, as also ordered by the International Court of Justice.