In a comprehensive briefing to journalists in Geneva, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, reiterating calls for a ceasefire and addressing misinformation surrounding the agency. Lazzarini expressed concern over reports of UN schools being used for military purposes, emphasizing the critical need for a ceasefire to ensure the safety of civilians.
During the briefing, Lazzarini underscored the total devastation caused by nearly six weeks of conflict, resulting in the largest displacement of Palestinians since 1948. Thousands have fled northern Gaza for the south, seeking refuge in UNRWA schools, where over 800,000 people now face dire conditions, including a lack of food, water, and adequate sanitation.
“We have just witnessed over the last few weeks the largest displacement of Palestinians since 1948.”
— United Nations (@UN) November 16, 2023
– @UNRWA chief @UNLazzarini says the scale of destruction and loss in Gaza is staggering as lack of fuel jeopardizes entire humanitarian response. https://t.co/CKNjiiFi3X pic.twitter.com/sBE5V6lBp7
Lazzarini warned of a communications blackout in Gaza due to fuel shortages, putting life-saving support for 2.2 million people at risk. UNRWA is running out of fuel, impacting aid delivery, water supply, and access to cash from ATM machines. Lazzarini stated, “We will not be able to uphold our commitment to provide for the Palestinian people any longer,” attributing the fuel shortages to what he believes is a deliberate attempt to impede UNRWA’s operations.
As UN facilities continue to be violated, Lazzarini reported the use of UNRWA schools for military purposes, including the discovery of weapons and the positioning of Israeli forces. This blatant violation endangers both civilians and UNRWA colleagues on the ground, prompting Lazzarini to call for condemnation and pushback against such actions.
Addressing misinformation about UNRWA schools teaching hatred, Lazzarini firmly refuted the claims, emphasizing the agency’s “zero tolerance” for hate speech. He condemned attempts to link UNRWA to attacks in Israel and stressed the agency’s commitment to transparency in aid distribution.
The dwindling fuel supply has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with raw sewage flowing in the streets and water desalination plants, sewage pumping systems, and bakeries facing severe disruptions. The UNRWA Commissioner-General emphasized that the agency’s ability to address the growing needs is hampered by fuel shortages and called for urgent humanitarian access to prevent starvation and address malnutrition.
The World Food Programme (WFP) echoed concerns about the worsening situation in Gaza, with cases of malnutrition and dehydration increasing rapidly. Abeer Atefa, WFP Senior Spokeswoman for the Middle East, warned that Gaza is at risk of sliding into hunger hell without fuel and a rapid surge in food supplies. With winter approaching and inadequate shelter conditions, the immediate possibility of starvation looms.
Atefa stated that only 10% of necessary food items have entered Gaza since the start of the conflict, creating a massive food gap. Food production has nearly halted, markets have collapsed, and essential supplies are running out, leaving people with limited food options.
As both UNRWA and WFP grapple with unprecedented challenges, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the crisis in Gaza and ensure the delivery of essential humanitarian aid. The gravity of the situation calls for urgent and coordinated efforts to prevent further suffering among the Palestinian population. The humanitarian community looks to key stakeholders for support in facilitating safe access, fuel provision, and comprehensive aid delivery to those in desperate need.
