The leader of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) stated on Sunday Israel had told the U.N. that it won't give permission for UNRWA food convoys to go to the north of Gaza anymore.
“This is shocking and shows that there is deliberate effort to block life-saving help during a crisis caused by people. These limitations need to be removed,” UNRWA leader Philippe Lazzarini commented on the social media platform X.
UNRWA, which offers help and support to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and in nearby areas, has been in a difficult situation since Israel accused twelve of its employees of being involved in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks against Israel.
The accusations led the biggest contributor to UNRWA, the United States, and some others to pause their financial support, casting doubts on the agency’s future. However, other countries like Canada, Australia, and Sweden have since resumed funding.
UNRWA and Egypt stated last week that Lazzarini, who was visiting Cairo, was not allowed to enter Gaza by the Israeli authorities.
“By stopping UNRWA from carrying out its duties in Gaza, the time will move faster towards a severe shortage of food and many more people will die from hunger, lack of water, and shelter,” Lazzarini added.
