Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA expressed grave concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, labelling Israel's denial of food as a weapon of war. With over two million Gazans suffering acute food insecurity, many warn this may lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
UN Official Claims Israeli Food Denial in Gaza is 'A Weapon of War'
UN Official Claims Israeli Food Denial in Gaza is 'A Weapon of War'
The head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency warns of impending famine in Gaza as Israeli blockades continue, raising concerns about humanitarian violations and escalating violence.
Article text:
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated to alarming levels, prompting an urgent warning from Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Lazzarini claims that Israel's ongoing denial of food to civilians is tantamount to using starvation as a weapon of war. His comments came during a recent interview, amid reports suggesting that Gaza could be on the brink of famine due to the relentless Israeli blockade.
For over two months, the residents of Gaza have endured severe shortages of food and essential supplies as Israel has cut off aid, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. According to Pascal Hundt, deputy director of operations at the International Committee of the Red Cross, the locals are grappling with the compounded effects of conflict and a lack of humanitarian assistance. The humanitarian situation requires immediate international attention, he stressed.
Since March 18, after Israel resumed airstrikes, the blockade has tightened further, restricting humanitarian shipments of food and medical supplies that are critically needed. The UN estimates that 70% of Gaza is now effectively inaccessible to the people reliant on aid. Lazzarini stated, "Starvation is spreading... people will die not from the bombardments but from lack of food," underlining the deepening humanitarian crisis.
Recent data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicates a staggering 22% of Gaza's population, approximately 470,000 people, are in a catastrophic state of food scarcity, classified as "Phase 5" by IPC standards. This raises serious alarms, with tens of thousands of children and mothers needing urgent treatment for acute malnutrition amidst overwhelming shortages.
The humanitarian community vehemently denies Israeli accusations that Hamas controls aid distribution in Gaza, rejecting plans that involve private security firms distributing aid under military protection. Lazzarini remains steadfast in his claims about the weaponization of humanitarian assistance, asserting, "I have absolutely no doubt… it’s a war crime."
The blockade, which has persisted for months, has been characterized by Israeli officials as a strategic measure to defeat Hamas. Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have explicitly linked the cessation of humanitarian support to military success against adversaries in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli families with hostages within Gaza express horror at the prospect of renewed military action, fearing further escalation of violence instead of the safe return of their loved ones. This internal discord is echoed in the voices of military reservists who have criticized the ongoing conflict as increasingly politicized.
As global awareness increases, UNRWA faces accusations from Israeli officials regarding their operations in Gaza. Nonetheless, Lazzarini insists that UNRWA has taken necessary measures against staff implicated in the conflict while rejecting baseless allegations.
This highly politicized war continues to draw international scrutiny, with voices condemning Israel's actions as potential war crimes or even genocide impacting a vulnerable population. The international community faces calls to halt the violence and address humanitarian needs urgently, yet skepticism remains regarding the likelihood of lasting peace in the region.
With international resolve eroding, Lazzarini starkly warns, "In the coming years, we will realize how we have let a massive atrocity unfold." The roads ahead for Gaza appear bleak, overshadowed by the ghosts of impending humanitarian catastrophe and relentless strife.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated to alarming levels, prompting an urgent warning from Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Lazzarini claims that Israel's ongoing denial of food to civilians is tantamount to using starvation as a weapon of war. His comments came during a recent interview, amid reports suggesting that Gaza could be on the brink of famine due to the relentless Israeli blockade.
For over two months, the residents of Gaza have endured severe shortages of food and essential supplies as Israel has cut off aid, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. According to Pascal Hundt, deputy director of operations at the International Committee of the Red Cross, the locals are grappling with the compounded effects of conflict and a lack of humanitarian assistance. The humanitarian situation requires immediate international attention, he stressed.
Since March 18, after Israel resumed airstrikes, the blockade has tightened further, restricting humanitarian shipments of food and medical supplies that are critically needed. The UN estimates that 70% of Gaza is now effectively inaccessible to the people reliant on aid. Lazzarini stated, "Starvation is spreading... people will die not from the bombardments but from lack of food," underlining the deepening humanitarian crisis.
Recent data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicates a staggering 22% of Gaza's population, approximately 470,000 people, are in a catastrophic state of food scarcity, classified as "Phase 5" by IPC standards. This raises serious alarms, with tens of thousands of children and mothers needing urgent treatment for acute malnutrition amidst overwhelming shortages.
The humanitarian community vehemently denies Israeli accusations that Hamas controls aid distribution in Gaza, rejecting plans that involve private security firms distributing aid under military protection. Lazzarini remains steadfast in his claims about the weaponization of humanitarian assistance, asserting, "I have absolutely no doubt… it’s a war crime."
The blockade, which has persisted for months, has been characterized by Israeli officials as a strategic measure to defeat Hamas. Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have explicitly linked the cessation of humanitarian support to military success against adversaries in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli families with hostages within Gaza express horror at the prospect of renewed military action, fearing further escalation of violence instead of the safe return of their loved ones. This internal discord is echoed in the voices of military reservists who have criticized the ongoing conflict as increasingly politicized.
As global awareness increases, UNRWA faces accusations from Israeli officials regarding their operations in Gaza. Nonetheless, Lazzarini insists that UNRWA has taken necessary measures against staff implicated in the conflict while rejecting baseless allegations.
This highly politicized war continues to draw international scrutiny, with voices condemning Israel's actions as potential war crimes or even genocide impacting a vulnerable population. The international community faces calls to halt the violence and address humanitarian needs urgently, yet skepticism remains regarding the likelihood of lasting peace in the region.
With international resolve eroding, Lazzarini starkly warns, "In the coming years, we will realize how we have let a massive atrocity unfold." The roads ahead for Gaza appear bleak, overshadowed by the ghosts of impending humanitarian catastrophe and relentless strife.
