The Civil Defense in northern Gaza has reported that Israeli occupation forces are obstructing its teams from accessing dozens of civilians trapped under rubble, leaving urgent pleas for help unanswered as critical rescue efforts are delayed or denied.

In official press statements, Civil Defense crews expressed their readiness to respond to emergencies but warned that the situation on the ground is too dangerous, and their movements are tightly restricted due to constant threats. “We are fully prepared to carry out rescue operations,” the statement read, “but we are being deliberately prevented from doing so.”

Repeated calls to international organisations for assistance in securing safe access have largely gone unanswered. The Civil Defense confirms that dozens remain buried beneath destroyed buildings, with their fate unknown.

A few days earlier, Gaza’s General Directorate of Civil Defense revealed that nearly all emergency vehicles in the northern and southern governorates are now non-operational due to a lack of spare parts and maintenance under the ongoing blockade. Only one fire truck remains functional in Gaza City and northern areas.

In central and southern regions, two-thirds of the emergency fleet is now out of service. With just three fire trucks and two ambulances still running, the collapse of Gaza’s emergency infrastructure is worsening amid the deadliest phase of Israel’s ongoing assault.