UN official slams Israel for denying, weaponizing humanitarian aid

Israeli authorities are blocking humanitarian missions from reaching northern Gaza, leaving thousands without critical supplies like water, food, and medicine.

This has resulted in devastating consequences, with hospitals damaged, powerless, and unable to care for the wounded.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), in a post on X, highlighted the dire situation, emphasizing the urgent need for aid.

He criticized Israel for weaponizing and denying humanitarian aid, saying the move shows a “sign of how low the moral compass is.”

“@UNRWA remaining shelters are so overcrowded, some displaced people are now forced to live in the toilets. According to reports, people attempting to flee are getting killed, their bodies left on the street. Missions to rescue people from under the rubble are also being denied,” he said.

“Denying & weaponizing humanitarian assistance to achieve military purposes is a sign of how low the moral compass is.”

The situation remains critical, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of wounded patients.
Reports say no fewer than 33 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks throughout the Gaza Strip since dawn, medical sources say, including 18 in Jabalia refugee camp as the forced expulsion by troops in the north continues.

As Lazzarini emphasized, it is essential to prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those affected by the conflict.