Israel informed the United Nations that it will no longer approve the passage of any UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, food convoys into northern Gaza. “This is outrageous and makes it intentional to obstruct lifesaving assistance during a man-made famine. These restrictions must be lifted,” UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said on social media platform X. “As of today, UNRWA, the main lifeline for Palestine refugees, is denied from providing lifesaving assistance to northern Gaza,” Lazzarini wrote. 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. “Despite the tragedy unfolding under our watch, the Israeli authorities informed the UN that they will no longer approve any UNRWA food convoys to the north. This is outrageous & makes it intentional to obstruct lifesaving assistance during a man-made famine,” he wrote. “These restrictions must be lifted,” Lazzarini added. “By preventing UNRWA to fulfill its mandate in Gaza, the clock will tick faster towards famine & many more will die of hunger, dehydration + lack of shelter,” he warned.

“This cannot happen, it would only stain our collective humanity.” World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also slammed the new order. “Blocking UNRWA from delivering food is in fact denying starving people the ability to survive,” he said in a social media post. “This decision must be urgently reversed,” he continued. “The levels of hunger are acute. All efforts to deliver food should not only be permitted but there should be an immediate acceleration of food deliveries.” The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report on Gaza Strip stated last week that famine is imminent in the northern part of the Strip and is expected to occur between now and May in the two northern governorates, which are home to about 300,000 people. Upon the report’s release, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the findings as an “appalling indictment of conditions on the ground for civilians”. “Palestinians in Gaza are enduring horrifying levels of hunger and suffering,” he said at the time. “This is an entirely man-made disaster, and the report makes clear that it can be halted.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan