The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has sharply criticised Israel for obstructing vital humanitarian aid to the northern Gaza Strip, where civilians are enduring severe hardship under ongoing military assaults. Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, voiced his concerns, accusing the Israeli authorities of deliberately preventing life-saving assistance, including food and medical supplies, from reaching those in desperate need.
In a recent statement, Lazzarini expressed deep frustration over the worsening situation in northern Gaza. According to him, Palestinians trapped in the region are suffering under a complete blockade, with no access to humanitarian relief. He further emphasised that the continuing airstrikes have not only devastated infrastructure but also severely compromised essential services, leaving civilians, particularly the sick and injured, in a perilous state.
Hospitals Targeted Amid Power Outages
Lazzarini highlighted that several hospitals in the region have been directly targeted during the Israeli military campaign. With power supplies severely disrupted, these hospitals are struggling to function, depriving thousands of wounded individuals of much-needed medical care. The lack of electricity has rendered critical medical equipment inoperable, further endangering lives in the region. The Commissioner-General underscored that Israel’s actions have led to a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions, with the international community unable to intervene effectively.
Overcrowded Shelters and Dire Living Conditions
The growing number of displaced Palestinians seeking refuge in UNRWA shelters has created additional challenges. Lazzarini pointed out that the shelters are so overcrowded that some families are forced to live in the facilities’ toilets. These shelters, initially designed for temporary accommodation, are now unable to cope with the overwhelming influx of displaced individuals, leaving them in dire and unsanitary conditions. This further exacerbates the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region, where basic human dignity is being eroded.
Humanitarian Convoys Blocked
In addition to the assaults, the Israeli authorities have been accused of preventing humanitarian convoys from entering northern Gaza. Critical supplies, such as medicine and food, remain blocked, with no sign of resolution. Lazzarini warned that the lack of humanitarian access could result in even more deaths in the coming days, particularly among the most vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.
Reports from the region indicate that Palestinians attempting to flee the besieged northern areas have been killed, with bodies left abandoned in the streets, and rubble from collapsed buildings making rescue operations nearly impossible. The situation is rapidly becoming unsustainable, with UN officials calling for immediate international intervention.
Ethical and Moral Outrage
Lazzarini did not hold back in his condemnation of Israel’s strategy, stating that the use of humanitarian aid as a bargaining tool or military tactic reflects a deeply troubling ethical stance. “Blocking humanitarian access or using aid as a weapon to achieve military goals shows how far the moral compass has fallen,” Lazzarini remarked, calling on the international community to push for an end to these inhumane practices. The United Nations, alongside several other global organisations, continues to appeal for a ceasefire and the immediate allowance of aid convoys into Gaza’s most affected areas.
The unfolding crisis in Gaza underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to ensure the protection of civilians and the delivery of life-saving aid. Without a shift in policy, the suffering of Palestinians in northern Gaza is set to intensify, with potentially devastating consequences for the region’s already fragile humanitarian landscape.
