02 October 2024
From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter).
In Gaza, over 1 million people did not receive food rations in August. In September, the number climbed to more than 1.4 million.
Meanwhile, over 100,000 metric tons of food supplies, are stranded outside Gaza due to access restrictions, insecurity, damaged roads, and the breakdown of law and order.
Again and again hunger is spreading in Gaza. It is entirely man-made. Nearly 70 per cent of crop fields have been destroyed. An entire population is forced to exclusively rely on humanitarian aid.
Restrictions and delays in aid deliveries only worsen an already dire situation for displaced families. With winter approaching and weather conditions deteriorating, lack of adequate humanitarian supplies will only generate more suffering. What is needed urgently is a ceasefire to end the suffering of people in Gaza and across the region.
The way forward through political will and leadership is to:
- release all hostages,
- open additional crossings
- safe and unrestricted humanitarian access to reach people in need of assistance
Choosing peace as a way forward is a choice of the courageous, it’s time.
Document Type: Statement
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Subject: Access and movement, Armed conflict, Assistance, Food, Gaza Strip, Human rights and international humanitarian law, Hunger, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 02/10/2024
URL source: https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/official-statements/gaza-over-1-million-people-did-not-receive-food-rations-august
Document Sources: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
Subject: Access and movement, Armed conflict, Assistance, Food, Gaza Strip, Human rights and international humanitarian law, Hunger, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 02/10/2024
URL source: https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/official-statements/gaza-over-1-million-people-did-not-receive-food-rations-august