Gaza: The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has issued a strong condemnation of Israel's current aid distribution mechanism in the Gaza Strip, labeling it a 'sadistic death trap' responsible for the deaths of over 1,000 starving civilians.
According to Anadolu Agency, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini criticized the Israeli-backed schemes under the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), accusing them of transforming the search for food into a 'massive hunt of people, in total impunity.' Lazzarini highlighted incidents of snipers allegedly firing randomly on crowds, describing the acts as if they were given a 'license to kill.'
Lazzarini emphasized that the situation for Gaza's caregivers, including doctors, nurses, journalists, and aid workers, is dire as they too are facing starvation and exhaustion while attempting to assist others in need. UNRWA's statement underscored that 'seeking food has become as deadly as the bombardments,' reflecting the perilous conditions facing the population.
The agency pointed out that it has sufficient food stockpiled to sustain the entire population of Gaza for more than three months, with supplies stored in locations like Al-Arish, Egypt. However, aid convoys have been obstructed, preventing the distribution of these essential resources.
Lazzarini called for an immediate cessation of what he described as an 'abomination,' asserting that the United Nations and its humanitarian partners possess the necessary expertise and resources to deliver safe and dignified assistance at scale.
Figures from Gaza's Health Ministry reveal that over 1,020 aid seekers have been killed and more than 6,500 injured by Israeli fire at aid distribution points since May 27. These sites have been criticized by UN officials and institutions as 'death traps.'
The ongoing military campaign by Israel has led to the deaths of more than 59,100 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, since October 2023. The campaign has caused significant devastation to the enclave, collapsing its health system and leading to severe food shortages.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.