UNRWA Warns of Crisis in Gaza: Aid Operates Near Breaking Point Amid Famine Fears

According to SAEDNEWS, The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has issued a grave warning about the situation in the Gaza Strip, stating that it is approaching a "possible breaking point." The agency highlights an urgent need for aid as the region faces the looming threats of disease and famine.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini shared his concerns on Wednesday, explaining that both financial issues and political challenges are severely impacting the agency's ability to operate effectively in Gaza. “We might reach a point that we won’t be able anymore to operate,” he cautioned. “When will it be? I don't know. But we are very near that.”

Lazzarini painted a bleak picture of life in Gaza, describing it as “almost unlivable.” He expressed fears that the region could soon experience famine or acute malnutrition if immediate action is not taken.

In the past two to three weeks, there have been very few aid convoys able to reach northern Gaza, with the latest convoy arriving just yesterday. The lack of aid is contributing to the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Health officials in Gaza are calling for a humanitarian corridor to be established for three hospitals in the northern part of the territory, which are struggling to operate under severe pressure. They reported that Israeli forces have blocked access to the area for the last two weeks.

The Israeli military began large-scale operations in the Jabalia area about 12 days ago and issued evacuation orders then. Despite this, medical staff at Kamal Adwan, al-Awda, and Indonesian hospitals have refused to leave their patients behind.

Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, emphasized the urgent need for a corridor to bring in fuel, medical supplies, food, and other essentials. He called on the international community, along with organizations like the Red Cross and the World Health Organization, to step in and help with humanitarian efforts.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the need for immediate support grows more critical by the day.