UNRWA chief: Israel uses Gaza aid as ‘weapon of war’
4/22/2025 2:28:30 PM
Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has issued a stark warning as Gaza endures 50 days of siege by Israeli forces, describing the blockade as “deliberate and man-made”.
“Gaza has become a land of desperation,” Lazzarini posted on X, warning that more than two million people – mostly women and children – are being collectively punished.
The UN official said vital aid, including nearly 3,000 trucks of UNRWA supplies, is stuck outside Gaza, unable to enter while food and medicine inside the Strip rot or run out.
“Hollow words of condemnation” must now turn into action, he said, calling for an immediate end to the siege, a return to the ceasefire, and the release of captives.
“Hunger is spreading,” he added. “Humanitarian aid is being used as a bargaining chip – a weapon of war.”
“Gaza has become a land of desperation,” Lazzarini posted on X, warning that more than two million people – mostly women and children – are being collectively punished.
The UN official said vital aid, including nearly 3,000 trucks of UNRWA supplies, is stuck outside Gaza, unable to enter while food and medicine inside the Strip rot or run out.
“Hollow words of condemnation” must now turn into action, he said, calling for an immediate end to the siege, a return to the ceasefire, and the release of captives.
“Hunger is spreading,” he added. “Humanitarian aid is being used as a bargaining chip – a weapon of war.”