The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) accused ‘Israel’ of using humanitarian aid as a “bargaining chip” and a “weapon of war” in the Gaza Strip, subjecting two million Palestinians, mostly women and children, to collective punishment. It called for the lifting of the 50-day-old blockade.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini denounced the situation in Gaza in a post on Twitter on Tuesday: “How long will it take for empty words of condemnation to translate into action to lift the blockade, resume a ceasefire, and save what remains of humanity?”
He added: “Fifty days have passed since the Israeli authorities imposed a blockade on Gaza. Hunger is spreading and worsening. It is deliberate and man-made. Gaza has become a land of despair.”
Lazzarini continued: “Two million people—the majority of whom are women and children—are subjected to collective punishment, and the wounded, sick, and elderly are deprived of medicine and healthcare.”
He pointed out that “at the same time, humanitarian organizations have aid ready to enter Gaza, including nearly 3,000 trucks of life-saving UNRWA aid.”
The UN official warned that “essential supplies for people in need are nearing their expiration date,” and explained that “humanitarian aid is being used as a bargaining chip and a weapon in this war.”
He stressed that “the blockade must be lifted, supplies must be allowed in immediately, the hostages (Israeli prisoners) must be released, and the ceasefire must be resumed.”
