Lazzarini: The humanitarian response in Gaza Strip is on the verge of collapse

Geneva (ST) – UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini affirmed that the humanitarian response in the Palestinian territories, especially in Gaza, is on the verge of collapse as a result of the Israeli aggression.

During the Global Refugee Forum held on Wednesday, Lazzarini called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the siege to let in sufficient aid.

“We must be able to roll out humanitarian assistance worthy of its name. It needs to be meaningful”, he said, asking “what can 100 trucks or so per day offer to 2.2 million people?”

“The high-level discussions about the number of trucks per day have taken up so much time and energy that I have no answer to a father of five in Rafah who asked me how he and his children can survive on one can of beans for three days. We are very far from an adequate humanitarian response”, Lazzarini said.

It is noteworthy that the number of martyrs in Gaza Strip since the start of the Israeli aggression has risen to more than 18,600 martyrs, the majority of whom are children and women, in addition to about 50,600 wounded.

Najla Khoury