The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has issued a stark warning about the catastrophic situation in Gaza, describing it as a "graveyard of children and starving people." His remarks underscore the severe humanitarian crisis gripping the region, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and restricted aid access. Lazzarini highlighted that hundreds of Palestinians have died seeking assistance since May, often at sites managed by the controversial US- and Israel-backed GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Forum).
A recent Israeli military strike exemplifies the dire consequences, killing 15 people, including nine children, who were merely waiting for nutritional supplements. This tragic incident sheds light on the perilous conditions faced by civilians desperate for aid. The UNRWA chief's condemnation comes as the GHF has increasingly taken over aid distribution, largely sidelining the established UN network. Reports suggest that individuals, including Israeli soldiers and US contractors associated with the GHF, have admitted to firing on unarmed Palestinians seeking food, further escalating concerns about aid delivery safety.
The World Food Programme's deputy executive director, Carl Skau, echoed these concerns, calling the situation in Gaza the worst he has ever witnessed. Despite the WFP possessing sufficient food supplies for the entire population, essential aid trucks are frequently denied entry, creating an artificial scarcity that pushes more people towards starvation. This restriction on humanitarian assistance is a critical factor in the worsening crisis, preventing life-saving supplies from reaching those in dire need.
Adding another layer of complexity, Israel's plans for a "humanitarian city" in Rafah have drawn sharp criticism, with analysts comparing the proposed site to a concentration camp. Satellite imagery reveals land being cleared for this purpose, and the Israeli Defence Minister has indicated it could house Gaza's entire population. Daniel Levy, a British-Israeli analyst, suggests that the strategic placement of GHF aid sites is part of a deliberate effort to displace and confine Palestinians to this southern area, warning of a potential "second Nakba," a term referring to the 1948 displacement of Palestinians.
The ongoing crisis has led to severe fuel shortages, crippling hospitals with widespread electricity outages and halting critical medical services like kidney dialysis. Many citizens have been forced to rely on animal-drawn carts for transportation, reflecting the collapse of basic infrastructure. The United Nations continues to emphasize that Israeli restrictions on humanitarian access are a direct threat to life, reiterating the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of innocent lives and alleviate the immense suffering in Gaza.
Source: Al Jazeera