Amman - Saba:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said on Friday that the new aid distribution system in the Gaza Strip, implemented about a month ago, has led to "the killing of more than 400 starving civilians."
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated in a post on his official X account that the system has become a "killing field" rather than a means of delivering relief to those in need.
"Hundreds of starving people have been shot while trying to obtain food for their families. Testimonies continue to emerge of random gunfire, children separated from their families amid the chaos, left in a state of shock and confusion," he said.
Lazzarini explained that the current system fails to meet basic humanitarian principles and instead contributes to chaos, humiliation, and dehumanization. "This system was not designed to address hunger. It lacks any legal or ethical framework and is often justified by unverified claims, such as aid reaching unintended recipients," he added.
The Commissioner-General stressed that the current situation cannot become the "new normal." He called for the full responsibility of aid distribution to be returned to the UN, including UNRWA, an immediate ceasefire, and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza to restore the regular flow of essential supplies such as food, medicine, soap, and fuel.
Lazzarini concluded his warning by saying, "The current situation is inhumane and out of control. The international community must act urgently before more innocent lives are lost."
Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli occupation, with U.S. support, has been committing genocide in Gaza, including killings, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement, disregarding international appeals and orders from the International Court of Justice to halt its aggression.
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