“UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated on X that the organization, which serves as the primary source of support for Palestine refugees, is currently unable to deliver critical aid to the northern region of Gaza.”

He denounced the ruling as “outrageous,” accusing it of being purposely designed to impede the transport of crucial aid during a human-caused famine in the northern region of Gaza.

He underlined the need to lift this ban, adding that UNRWA – the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza – is the largest relief agency in the Strip and has the greatest ability to reach displaced communities there.

The limitations need to be removed.

“We were made aware by the Israeli government that they will not grant approval for any UNRWA food convoys to the northern region, despite the ongoing tragedy. This intentional obstruction of life-saving aid during a created famine is completely unacceptable,” stated the writer.

He insisted that these limitations should be removed.

He cautioned that hindering UNRWA from carrying out its responsibilities in Gaza would expedite the progress towards famine, resulting in more deaths from starvation, lack of water, and inadequate housing. This must not occur as it would only blemish our shared humanity.

The WHO condemns the newly imposed restriction on aid.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the leader of the World Health Organization (WHO), criticized the latest decision.

In a post on social media, he stated that preventing UNRWA from providing food is essentially depriving hungry individuals of their means to survive.

“He urged for a prompt reversal of this decision,” he further stated.

The hunger levels are severe. It is crucial to allow all efforts to distribute food, and there should be a quick increase in food deliveries.

The United Nations humanitarian chief states that UNRWA is the essential provider of aid in Gaza.

Martin Griffiths, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, reiterated that statement.

He posted on social media, “I have urged Israel to remove all obstacles for providing aid to Gaza. However, there are now more obstacles.”

He declared that UNRWA is the central organization responsible for providing humanitarian aid in Gaza.

He cautioned that preventing its food convoys from reaching the north will only bring thousands closer to famine. He urged for the decision to be reversed.

Famine warnings

Last week, the IPC report on Gaza Strip revealed that the northern region is at risk of experiencing a severe food shortage, with famine likely occurring between now and May in the two governorates located there. These areas are home to a population of approximately 300,000 residents.

After the report was published, UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed shock at the evidence presented, which revealed the harsh living conditions for the civilian population.

At the time, he stated that those living in Gaza are facing extreme levels of starvation and distress. He also mentioned that this crisis is completely caused by human actions and the report clearly demonstrates that it can be ended.

Check out our explanation on the concept of famine here.

In the middle of March, a United Nations (UN) mission was sent to Al-Shifa Hospital to provide fuel, medical supplies, and food packages.

During a visit to Egypt, the United Nations Secretary-General urges for increased aid to be provided to Gaza.

As part of his yearly Ramadan solidarity tour, the leader of the UN is currently present in the area. He has visited with Palestinian women and children who were hurt in the recent attacks by Israel in Gaza, and has once again emphasized the importance of an immediate humanitarian halt to the violence. The trip also involved a stop at the Rafah border crossing into Gaza, as well as scheduled meetings in Egypt and Jordan.

On Sunday, Mr. Guterres held a press conference in Cairo, restating his previous call.

He stated that the Palestinians in Gaza are in dire need of the promised aid, not small amounts but rather a significant amount.

He stated that there has been some improvement, but there is still much work to be done. He emphasized that increasing aid funds would require tangible actions.

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the media in Cairo.

Israel should eliminate any obstacles preventing the delivery of aid.

“The removal of remaining obstacles and chokepoints to allow for relief is necessary,” stated Mr. Guterres. “This entails the establishment of additional crossings and access points. While alternative routes are acceptable, road transportation is the most efficient and effective means for moving heavy goods. Moreover, there must be a significant increase in the transportation of commercial goods and, I must emphasize, an urgent humanitarian ceasefire.”

He stated that it is crucial to ensure the prompt delivery of sufficient aid shipments.

“He stated that the ongoing atrocities in Gaza are not beneficial to anyone and are causing repercussions worldwide. The constant attack on the basic human rights of Palestinians is causing the international community to question its credibility.”

US financing situation

On Sunday, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA stated that the recently passed United States foreign aid spending bill for 2024 will have significant impacts on Palestine refugees in Gaza and the surrounding area. This new bill restricts funding for the agency until March 2025.

According to him, the humanitarian groups in Gaza are in a race against the clock to prevent famine. Any shortage of funds for UNRWA will negatively affect the availability of essential resources such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education during this challenging period.

He stated that the refugees from Palestine are relying on the help of the global community to provide more assistance in meeting their fundamental requirements.

of serving Palestinian refugees

UNRWA will continue carrying out its duty of providing assistance to refugees from Palestine.

UNRWA supports about 5.9 million Palestinian refugees in its five areas of operations: Gaza, the West Bank including East Jerusalem, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Mr. Lazzarini showed gratitude towards those who have been supporting UNRWA, including members of the US Congress who have been advocating on behalf of the organization during these challenging times, as well as US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken who recently expressed support alongside the European Union.

The leader of UNRWA emphasized that the organization will persist in collaborating with the US in their shared dedication to supporting Palestine refugees and promoting peace and stability in the entire region.

This person stated that UNRWA, together with supporters and collaborators, will persist in carrying out its duty given by the UN General Assembly to safeguard the rights of Palestine refugees until a permanent political resolution is achieved.

Source: news.un.org