'Catastrophic': Residents, aid organizations describe conditions in northern Gaza
ABC News
The Israeli army has gradually drawn down its troops from northern Gaza after it announced last weekend it had "dismantled" Hamas' military framework there.
LONDON and GAZA -- While the Israeli army has gradually reduced the number of troops it has in northern Gaza, many residents and relief organizations said that part of the region had been largely isolated from humanitarian aid and is in dire need of help.
The Israeli army has gradually drawn down its troops from northern Gaza after it announced last weekend it had "dismantled" Hamas' military framework there. "Now, we are focusing on dismantling Hamas in the central and southern Gaza Strip," Israel Defense Forces spokesman Col. Daniel Hagari said in a briefing last week.
As the Israelis reduce their presence, aid agencies said they are pressing for better access to provide food and fuel for the thousands of people that remain in the north, largely cut off from the rest of Gaza.
"People are absolutely desperate," United Nations Relief and Works Agency Director of Communications Juliette Touma told ABC News. "Very, very little has been allowed to reach the north."
