The last time the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near Easta (UNRWA) was able to deliver food aid to northern Gaza was on 23 January, said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini.
Lazzarini says that since then, together with other UN agencies, “we have warned against looming famine, appealed for regular humanitarian access, and stated that famine can be averted if more food convoys are allowed into northern Gaza on a regular basis.”
Lazzarini says that the UN’s calls to send food aid have been denied and fallen on deaf ears.
“This is a man made disaster. The world committed to never let famine happen again. Famine can still be avoided, through genuine political will to grant access and protection to meaningful assistance. The days to come will once again test our common humanity and values,” he said.
The endless waves of Israeli bombing have destroyed Gaza’s infrastructure, razing or shuttering the factories producing and processing food. About half the population of Gaza now faces daily shortages of bread, clean water and the basic ingredients for life.
