The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the worsening "deliberate famine" in Gaza on Tuesday, following 50 days of an Israeli blockade on aid entering the war-torn Palestinian territory.
"Gaza has become a land of despair. Hunger is spreading and worsening, deliberately and man-made," he stated.
After 18 months of devastating conflict and an Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid since 2 March, the UN warned of a dire humanitarian situation for the 2.4 million residents of the Gaza Strip.
Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid, a claim denied by the Palestinian terrorist organisation that attacked Israel on 7 October 2023 and still controls Gaza.
On Thursday, officials from 12 major international humanitarian organisations warned that famine is "not just a risk"" but is "likely unfolding rapidly across almost all areas" of the territory.
In a message on X, Mr Lazzarini lamented the “collective punishment” of Gaza’s residents.
"The injured, sick, and elderly are being deprived of medical supplies and care," he emphasised. "Humanitarian aid is being used as bargaining chips and weapons of war," he continued, calling for the resumption of humanitarian aid delivery, the release of hostages, and the establishment of a new ceasefire.
