UNRWA: ‘Gaza on brink of massive health hazard, disease risk looming’

The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Organisation for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini warned on Friday that Gaza is on the brink of disaster, with the risk of diseases spreading in the absence of aid and fuel.

Lazzarini announced in a press conference from Jerusalem: “Gaza is on the brink of a massive health hazard as the risks of diseases are looming. A few days ago, I warned that we will not be able to continue our humanitarian operations if we do not get fuel supply.”

He stressed the few trucks that entered Gaza: “Are nothing more than crumbs that will not make a difference for 2 million people. What is needed is meaningful and uninterrupted aid flow. To succeed, we need a humanitarian ceasefire to ensure this aid reaches those in need.”

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Lazzarini stated: “At least 57 colleagues of mine are confirmed killed. In one day, we had confirmations that 15 were killed,” adding that thousands of others “share the same loss, fear and daily struggle of millions of Gazans.”

He also confirmed: “The last remaining public services are collapsing, our aid operation is crumbling and for the first time ever, they report that people are now hungry. Civil order is collapsing.”

Lazzarini addressed those doubting that aid is not reaching those intended, saying: “Many argue that aid cannot enter because of aid diversion. Let me be clear. We have solid monitoring mechanisms. UNRWA is a direct provider of assistance to people in need. All our vendors and partners are vetted against the sanctions list. We give aid to those who need it most. Our convoys and their routes are notified and de-conflicted. UNRWA does not and will not divert any humanitarian aid into the wrong hands.”

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