The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has issued a dire warning about a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, attributing it to Israel's severe blockade and restrictions on the Palestinian territory.
UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini condemned Israel's blockade, accusing the country of hindering aid deliveries and attempting to dismantle the agency's operations in Gaza. Addressing the UN Security Council, Lazzarini stated, "Across Gaza, a man-made famine is tightening its grip," adding that infants and young children are dying from malnutrition and dehydration.
Despite the urgent need for aid, Israel continues to block UNRWA from delivering essential supplies to the starving population. Lazzarini emphasized that food and clean water are available across the border but remain inaccessible due to Israel's restrictions.
Established in 1949, UNRWA serves over six million Palestinian refugees across various regions, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. In Gaza, it plays a crucial role in providing healthcare and essential humanitarian support to the besieged population.
Israel has accused UNRWA of having ties to Hamas, a Palestinian resistance group, without presenting evidence. The country has been lobbying for the closure of UNRWA, the only UN agency specifically mandated to assist Palestinian refugees.
Under Israeli pressure, Lazzarini has dismissed accused staff members, and an internal UN investigation is ongoing. He also reported that detained UNRWA staff faced torture and abuse in Israeli custody.
The recent conflict, initiated by Israel's military campaign on October 7 in response to Hamas's Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with over 34,000 people, predominantly women and children, killed in Gaza since early October. UNRWA reports that more than 14,500 children out of Gaza's 1.1 million have been killed.
Lazzarini informed the UN Security Council that Israel has been targeting UNRWA facilities and staff, with 178 personnel killed since the conflict began. As a result of Israel's actions, 85% of Gaza's population has been internally displaced, facing acute shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies.
