Geneva, October 22 (RHC)-- The head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has issued an urgent plea for an end to the attacks in northern Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians trapped there.

In a post on X, Lazzarini said UNRWA staff reported being unable to find food, water or medicine in the war-battered region.  “The smell of death is everywhere as bodies are left lying on the roads or under the rubble.  Missions to clear the bodies or provide humanitarian assistance are denied.”

Lazzarini called for an “immediate truce, even if only for a few hours,” to allow safe passage for families seeking refuge.  “This is the bare minimum to save the lives of civilians who have nothing to do with this conflict,” he said.