The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a stark warning that northern Gaza is on the brink of famine following Israel’s blockade of relief convoys to the area.
According to UNICEF, children in the region are dying due to malnutrition and drought.
Filippo Grandi, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), confirmed that Israel informed the organization that it will no longer allow UNRWA food convoys to enter northern Gaza.
Grandi described this decision as “appalling,” deliberately obstructing life-saving aid amidst a famine and called for the lifting of these restrictions.
In a tweet on his official Twitter account, Grandi stated, “As of today, UNRWA, the lifeline for Palestinian refugees, is deprived of providing life-saving assistance to northern Gaza.”
Despite the unfolding tragedy, Israeli authorities have informed the United Nations that they will not approve any more UNRWA food convoys to the north.
This is a shameful and deliberate act to obstruct life-saving assistance during a man-made famine. These restrictions must be lifted.
UNRWA is the largest organization with the widest access to displaced communities in Gaza.
By preventing UNRWA from fulfilling its mandate in Gaza, the clock will tick faster towards famine, and many more will die from hunger, drought, and lack of shelter.
This cannot happen, as it will only tarnish our collective humanity.
