Geneva: UN official Philippe Lazzarini, head of Unrwa, has accused Israel of weaponising humanitarian aid in Gaza. He claimed that Israel blocked all aid shipments and cut off electricity, measures that could trigger a renewed hunger crisis in the region.
Lazzarini made these remarks in Geneva, while the actions he described are taking place in Gaza. Israel halted aid shipments at the beginning of the month and cut off electricity over the weekend.
Israel stopped the entry of all aid into Gaza, blaming Hamas for rejecting a US proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire. Additionally, Israel cut off electricity—impacting a major water desalination plant that now has to run on backup generators, thereby reducing its water production capacity.
The primary source of these claims is UN official Philippe Lazzarini of Unrwa. His comments were made in Geneva. Further details were provided by Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and statements from Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen, all reported by BBC News.
The blockade of aid and the cut in electricity have not only reduced the availability of essential goods but have also impacted vital services such as health care and water supply for tens of thousands of families in Gaza. Israel has also banned Unrwa and blocked other aid agencies from entering Gaza, citing concerns over possible support for Hamas.
These actions come amid an ongoing conflict where the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire is under strain. Israel demands the release of hostages in exchange for extending the ceasefire, while Hamas is pushing for broader peace terms, including a full Israeli withdrawal. The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, with growing food shortages and water scarcity, has raised serious concerns about the impact of these measures on the civilian population.
