The developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue to raise serious concerns, particularly regarding access to humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, recently sounded the alarm over the inability of humanitarian aid to reach northern Gaza.
In a post on the “X” platform, Lazzarini highlighted that Palestinians in northern Gaza are facing a relentless siege. Israeli attacks in the area have targeted hospitals, leaving them without electricity and depriving the wounded of essential health care. In addition, overcrowding in UNRWA shelters is worsening due to intensified Israeli attacks.
Lazzarini has been categorical in denouncing Israel’s blocking of vital humanitarian aid such as medicine and food to the region. He called for humanitarian organizations, including UNRWA, to be allowed access to northern Gaza to provide much-needed assistance.
He stressed that the denial and manipulation of humanitarian aid for military purposes are evidence of the unacceptable moral drift in this conflict. In the face of this situation, it is urgent that the international community do everything possible to ensure unconditional access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population of Gaza.
The images of Israeli attacks and blocked humanitarian convoys in Gaza are testimony to the harsh reality faced by the people of this region torn apart by incessant conflict. It is imperative that all stakeholders commit to respecting international humanitarian law and ensuring safe and timely access to much-needed aid to meet urgent humanitarian needs.
It is time to take concrete steps to end the suffering of civilians caught in the middle of this conflict and to promote a lasting peace based on respect for human rights and justice for all peoples in the region.