ALWAGHT- The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warns it is "on the verge of breaking" in Gaza, where urgent aid is needed to prevent disease and famine.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned that the agency is facing serious financial and political threats that may soon force it to cease operations in Gaza. He emphasized that they are "very close" to reaching a point where they can no longer function, as ongoing challenges in day-to-day operations have severely impacted their ability to provide aid.
Lazzarini also raised concerns about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, warning of a "real risk" of famine or severe malnutrition. He described the territory as "almost unlivable" due to the prolonged blockade and lack of resources. Aid deliveries to northern Gaza have been extremely limited, with only one convoy entering the area in the past two to three weeks.
Health officials in Gaza are urgently calling for a humanitarian corridor to assist three hospitals in the north that are on the verge of collapse. Despite Israeli military orders to evacuate the area during its operation in Jabalia, doctors at Kamal Adwan, al-Awda, and Indonesian hospitals have refused to leave their patients and are in desperate need of fuel, medical supplies, and food.
Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, appealed to the international community, Red Cross, and WHO to intervene and provide aid. Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues to pressure medical personnel to evacuate the hospitals in the Jabalia area.