Philippe Lazzarini, the Chief of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, revealed on a social media platform that Israel communicated to the UN, its decision to halt approvals for food aid convoys from UNRWA into the northern part of Gaza. This move was described as infuriating and a deliberate attempt to block vital aid amidst an artificially induced famine, thereby championing for the lifting of these restrictions.
The Israeli decision was passed onto UNRWA during a meeting with Israeli military representatives, according to Juliette Touma, UNRWA’s spokeswoman. Last week saw the refusal, in writing, of two convoy dispatches into the north, with no rationale given as to why. There has been no food delivery into the northern part of Gaza since January 29th, said Touma.
The UNRWA, a primary provider of material help and services to Palestinian refugees throughout Gaza and further afield, has been in a stirred-up state, following Israel’s allegations of a dozen UNRWA workers’ involvement in the Hamas-led Israeli attacks that took place on October 7th. This led to the agency’s primary donor, the United States, putting a hold on its monetary contributions, causing doubts about the future of the UNRWA. Financial support for the agency has since been revived by a number of countries including Canada, Australia, and Sweden.
In an additional development last week, Lazzarini, visiting Cairo, was barred entry into Gaza by Israeli authorities, as was reported by the UNRWA and Egypt. Lazzarini showed his concern stating the obstruction in UNRWA’s obligation in Gaza had increased the chances of a rapid descent towards famine, leading to more deaths due to starvation, dehydration, and the absence of shelter.
On Monday, the UN security council is set to vote on a new draft proposal for instant peace in Gaza. The previous proposal, put forward by the United States, was vetoed by Russia and China. The United States also vetoed previously suggested terms. The revised proposal is made by non-permanent members of the security council. The potential success of this draft, and whether the United States, Russia and China would endorse it, is at this point unclear.
Based on the version perceived by Agence France-Press, the fresh manuscript calls for an immediate truce in the midst of the ongoing sacred month of Ramadan for Muslims, ultimately resulting in a lasting, sustainable ceasefire. It also insists on an immediate and indiscriminate liberation of all captive individuals and removal of all obstacles that hinder the large-scale dispersing of humanitarian aid, according to agencies.