UNRWA Chief Condemns Israeli Denial of Gaza Famine

(MENAFN) During a seminar held in Santander, located in northern Spain, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), strongly criticized the Israeli government's refusal to acknowledge the famine in Gaza, labeling it as “shameful.”

Lazzarini emphasized that the famine is not a natural disaster but rather, in his words, “a man-made famine driven by political and military will.”

He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as having reached a critical low point, asserting that the international community’s neglect in responding to the crisis is equally “shameful.”

Lazzarini stated: “Gaza today is like hell,” explaining that civilians are not only perishing due to airstrikes but are also dying from starvation.

He pointed out that even those risking their lives to find food are being killed.

According to him, those with the ability to change the current reality are taking no meaningful steps — neither implementing measures nor voicing condemnation.

Highlighting the lack of accountability, Lazzarini criticized the international silence, stating: “Today we are witnessing complete impunity for Israel.”

He argued that Israel is facing no repercussions — economically, politically, or diplomatically — for its actions in Gaza.

Lazzarini called for an urgent ceasefire and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian supplies to the region.

He revealed that aid sufficient to feed the Palestinian population for two months — equivalent to 6,000 UNRWA trucks — is currently being blocked outside the Gaza Strip.

He reiterated: “The Israeli government’s policy of denying the famine in Gaza is shameful.”

He also paid tribute to the significant number of humanitarian workers who have died in the conflict, noting that over 360 UNRWA staff members have lost their lives in Gaza.

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