A senior U.N. official accuses Israel of obstructing humanitarian access to Gaza, where the U.N. food agency warns of a “full-blown famine” in the north.
Israel claims it’s intensifying aid efforts, but UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini insists Israel is hindering UN aid access, worsening the famine risk.
Reports backed by the UN suggest an impending famine in northern Gaza, with projections for the entire enclave by July.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizes the urgency of addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, citing concerns about the most vulnerable already succumbing to hunger and disease.
While COGAT, an Israeli Defense Ministry agency, asserts enhanced aid efforts to Gaza, it denies indications of famine risk in northern Gaza.
Lazzarini accuses Israel of ongoing hindrances to U.N. aid access, citing incidents of shooting at convoys, arrests of UN staff, and prolonged delays at checkpoints.
Israel and COGAT emphasize the need to reduce aid volumes in northern Gaza, suggesting excessive quantities relative to the population.
However, Lazzarini contends that the denial of aid access persists, exacerbating the risk of famine.
The conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas has escalated humanitarian concerns, with Israel retaliating against Hamas for alleged attacks.
The United Nations, labeling Gaza as Israeli-occupied territory, asserts Israel’s obligation to ensure the delivery of aid and facilitate humanitarian efforts.
As tensions persist and humanitarian needs grow, the international community faces mounting pressure to address Gaza’s worsening crisis and prevent further suffering among its population.
