UNRWA's director retraces the hardships in Gaza
The ongoing war between Israel and Iran casts a dark shadow over the already devastating predicament of the people in Gaza. This offensive grim reality is emphasized by Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, who has pleaded for a lasting peace in Gaza and its neighboring regions. In his eyes, Lazzarini has always been the forgiving optimist.
Lately, the death toll has climbed again, Lazzarini laments. Casualties include the victims attempting to secure food through a dangerous system, as he described on a popular social platform.
His concern stems from reports of repeated lethal shootings by Israeli military forces on civilians near distribution centers of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a non-profit organization backed by Israel and the US. The GHF has strongly refuted such allegations.
The foundation came into existence last month following a months-long Israeli embargo on humanitarian assistance. Established as an alternative to the work of the UN and international aid organizations, the GHF aims to prevent Hamas from infiltrating humanitarian aid through its operations, according to Israel and the US's own claims.
Despite the influx of aid to Gaza, restrictions remain on UN aid distribution. The scarcity of fuel has stalled crucial healthcare services and the water supply system.
The conflict commenced with Hamas and other Islamic militant groups launching attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in about 1,200 fatalities and the capture of over 250 hostages in Gaza. Since then, Israel's armed forces have been in continuous battle against Hamas in the heavily damaged coastal district. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, over 54,000 Palestinians have perished since the onset of the conflict, with no distinction made between civilian casualties and combatants.
Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical, with mass food insecurity and widespread malnutrition plaguing hundreds of thousands of people. Although aid has temporarily eased this crisis, the overall scenario remains disastrous.
Restrictions on Aid
Due to security concerns, the distribution of critical supplies has been affected by delays. Additionally, an earlier blockade on essential supplies lasted for over two months.
Military Actions and Violence
There have been reports of Israeli forces destroying civilian areas, including the town of Khuza’a, which was leveled in May 2025. This wanton destruction is part of an ongoing pattern of targeting essential infrastructure.
Attacks on healthcare facilities and healthcare workers have also occurred frequently. Between January and May 2025, 76 incidents were recorded, causing significant casualties.
Violence near aid distribution centers has been a recurring issue, although specific instances of "deadly shootings" haven't been substantiated.
International Response
The global community has increasingly criticized Israel's actions, with certain countries even threatening sanctions. The conflict has sparked violent protests outside the Middle East, underscoring its profound impact beyond the region.
Overall, the crisis in Gaza persists, marked by relentless conflict, critical humanitarian needs, and international disputes.
Politics and general news have become intertwined in the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, as the conflict in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The crisis in Gaza, marked by relentless fighting, critical humanitarian needs, and international disputes, has recently seen an increase in war-and-conflicts-related reports, such as the repeated lethal shootings by Israeli military forces on civilians near distribution centers of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
