The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees has expressed urgent concerns, stating that the “clock is ticking towards famine” in Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini emphasized that the new US-backed aid distribution model in the region is not only a misuse of resources but also diverts attention from the ongoing atrocities faced by the people there.
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“I believe it is a waste of resources and a distraction from atrocities. We already have an aid distribution system that is fit for purpose,” Lazzarini noted during his remarks in Japan. “The humanitarian community in Gaza, including UNRWA, is ready. We have the experience and expertise to reach those in need,” he added, underscoring the urgency for humanitarian efforts to resume.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, chaotic scenes unfolded in Rafah, where thousands of Palestinians rushed to receive aid. Reports from the United Nations human rights office revealed that 47 people were injured while attempting to access food at distribution sites. “Forty-seven people were injured due to gunshots,” said Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, referring to information shared by partners on the ground.
According to Sunghay, the gunfire originated from the Israel Defence Forces. However, the Israeli military stated that soldiers fired warning shots into the air and did not target civilians. “We are checking information from the UN. At the time we are speaking, we have no information on this matter,” an Israeli military spokesman remarked concerning the wounded civilians.
Thousands of Palestinians sought aid from the US-backed GHF foundation in Rafah yesterday, highlighting the urgent humanitarian needs following the partial easing of an extensive aid blockade imposed by Israel on March 2. Lazzarini described the situation, saying, “We have seen shocking images of hungry people pushing against fences, desperate for food. It was chaotic, undignified, and unsafe.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted to a “loss of control momentarily” at the aid distribution center. However, a senior military official proclaimed the operation a “success.” The US announced the new aid distribution model in early May, effectively sidelining the United Nations.
While Israel has facilitated GHF’s aid distribution efforts in Gaza—asserting a commitment to keeping supplies out of Hamas’s hands—accusations have surfaced that the GHF is effectively furthering Israeli military objectives while excluding Palestinians and neglecting humanitarian principles. “The model of aid distribution proposed by Israel does not align with core humanitarian principles. It will deprive a large portion of Gaza’s highly vulnerable population of desperately needed assistance,” Lazzarini stated.
Tragically, the situation continues to worsen, with Gaza rescuers reporting that at least 16 people lost their lives overnight due to Israeli strikes across the territory. Among the deceased were nine members of the family of photojournalist Osama al-Arbeed, killed in a strike on their home in northern Gaza. Al-Arbeed himself was injured in the incident. Another six family members died in a central Gaza strike, which also left 15 wounded, including children. One additional casualty was reported near the southern city of Khan Younis.
As medical staff were evacuated from Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, health authorities revealed a staggering toll: since Israel resumed hostilities on March 18, 3,822 people have been killed in Gaza, bringing the overall death toll since attacks began in October 2023 to 53,977. A record of 1,218 individuals were killed in a Hamas attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, with 251 hostages taken, including 57 still believed to be in Gaza, of which 34 are reported dead by the Israeli military.
In these alarming times, the need for effective humanitarian support cannot be overstated.
