UNRWA, the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees, announced on Sunday the suspension of the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing point, one of the main corridors for entry into Gaza. aid in the Gaza Strip.
This decision was taken following repeated thefts of humanitarian convoys by armed groups. On November 16, a large convoy of aid trucks was stolen, and last weekend, food trucks were also taken.
The Kerem Shalom crossing point is essential for the delivery of food, medicine and medical supplies to a region already devastated by months of war. The suspension of aid by UNRWA comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Infrastructure has been largely destroyed, and the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip live in extremely precarious conditions, without access to basic services.
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner General of UNRWA, expressed his deep concern about this situation. According to him, “the delivery of humanitarian aid must never be a risk or become a burden”. The official stressed that the increasing violence on the roads and the lack of security make it impossible for these crucial missions to proceed smoothly. He also pointed out Israeli policies that restrict the delivery of aid, exacerbating the suffering of the populations.
UNRWA, which provides essential assistance to Palestinian refugees, faces increased challenges. Aid restriction policies, combined with the isolation of certain areas, make it difficult to reach people in need. Gaza, particularly in its northern areas, is now threatened by famine and epidemics as winter sets in.
The United Nations and many NGOs, such as Save the Childrencontinue to demand a ceasefire in order to guarantee secure humanitarian access. The situation is all the more alarming as the number of humanitarian workers killed since the start of hostilities continues to increase, making these interventions even more dangerous.
This suspension of aid by UNRWA marks a turning point in relief efforts, with a potentially devastating impact for civilians trapped in the Gaza Strip. The call for a ceasefire is becoming increasingly urgent, in order to ensure a safe humanitarian corridor for refugees and the population in distress.
