Gazans Struggle Amidst Escalating Tensions and Humanitarian Aid Turmoil
Gaza's Suffering Relived by UNRWA Chief
In the midst of the Israel-Iran conflict, the plight of the people in Gaza has taken a back seat, yet the struggle persists, according to Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA. "Enough is enough, it's high time for an enduring peace in Gaza and the region," Lazzarini declared, showcasing a blend of weary pragmatism and lingering optimism.
Recent days have seen an alarming rise in fatalities and injuries, with Lazzarini expressing deep concern. He's particularly distraught about reports of civilian casualties near distribution centers of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a foundation supported by Israel and the US. The GHF has repeatedly refuted these allegations.
The GHF commenced operations last month following a nearly three-month Israeli blockade of aid shipments. The aim of the GHF is to serve as an alternative to the work of the UN and international aid organizations, as Israel and the US seek to prevent Hamas from misappropriating humanitarian aid.
However, Lazzarini points out ongoing restrictions on the delivery of UN aid, lamenting the fuel shortages hindering crucial supply services in the health sector and water supply. The Gaza conflict, sparked by a Hamas and Islamic terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has left about 1,200 people dead and over 250 hostages in Gaza. The Israeli military continues its fight against Hamas in the now largely destroyed coastal region. The Hamas-controlled health authority claims over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, though their numbers do not differentiate between fighters and civilians.
Insights from Enrichment Data:
- The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) started distributing aid in Rafah on May 26, 2025.
- By early June, the GHF distributed approximately 7 million meals and 21 truckloads of food, catering to about 1,159,200 meals.
- Despite these efforts, aid distribution sites have become dangerous, with incidents of violence and fatalities reported. Civilians risk their lives to access these sites due to extreme hunger.
- The U.S.-backed aid distribution plan has been criticized for being militarized and undermining the neutrality of humanitarian work.
- The entire population of 2.1 million in Gaza faces critical levels of hunger, with a significant risk of reaching a "crisis" level of food insecurity by the end of September.
- There have been repeated attacks around aid distribution sites, resulting in casualties. The GHF temporarily closed distribution sites for better logistical support to ensure safe and efficient aid delivery.
War-and-conflicts continue to escalate in Gaza, as Israeli and Iranian tensions persist. Politics are deeply intertwined with humanitarian aid distribution, as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by Israel and the US, faces criticism for allegedly putting civilians at risk and undermining the neutrality of humanitarian work in the midst of the ongoing general news surrounding the plight of the people in Gaza.
