In a concerning development, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees has been prevented by Israel from delivering aid to northern Gaza, where a severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, expressed outrage at Israel’s decision, describing it as intentional obstruction of life-saving assistance during a man-made famine.
The situation has escalated as Gaza faces dire humanitarian conditions resulting from the Israel-Hamas conflict that began nearly six months ago. Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October triggered this war, leading to widespread devastation and suffering.
Israel has not provided a reason for blocking aid deliveries to northern Gaza, despite warnings from UN-backed assessments about an impending famine in the region by May if urgent intervention is not undertaken.
UNRWA’s inability to deliver food to the north since January 29 has exacerbated an already dire situation. The decision to block aid convoys has drawn criticism from various international bodies, with Martin Griffiths, head of the UN humanitarian coordination office, calling it a move that pushes thousands closer to famine and urging its revocation.
The World Health Organization’s director, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, condemned the blocking of UNRWA aid deliveries, emphasizing that it denies starving people the ability to survive.
Amidst these developments, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an end to the ongoing nightmare endured by Gaza’s 2.4 million inhabitants, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
Israel’s accusations against UNRWA staff members and its labeling of the agency as “a front for Hamas” have further complicated aid efforts. The rejection of a UN request to evacuate injured individuals from Al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza adds to the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in providing crucial assistance to those in need.
The toll of the conflict is devastating, with significant civilian casualties reported, underscoring the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and ensuring access to life-saving aid in Gaza.
Sources By Agencies
