UNRWA Commissioner Describes Gaza as an Endless Nightmare
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, now entering its second year, has been characterized as an 'endless nightmare' by Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Following discussions with international representatives in Geneva, Lazzarini emphasized the dire humanitarian conditions facing Gaza's residents, stating that the area has become 'uninhabitable' due to continuous violence and destruction.
In his remarks, Lazzarini highlighted the plight of the 620,000 children living amidst the ruins of their homes, trapped in just 10% of the Strip. He noted that these children, along with their families, confront daily challenges of disease, death, and hunger. Despite these overwhelming circumstances, Lazzarini urged the international community to prioritize education for Palestinian children, asserting that education remains a vital source of pride and hope for the community.
Moreover, Lazzarini condemned the Israeli military actions that have resulted in widespread infrastructure destruction in the West Bank, which he described as a form of collective punishment. He reported that as of September 30, 223 UNRWA employees in Gaza have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict, with two-thirds of the agency's facilities being destroyed.
The situation is further exacerbated by the influx of displaced individuals into Lebanon, where UNRWA has provided shelter to approximately 3,500 people, including Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese fleeing violence in the south. As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with over 137,000 Palestinians reported dead or wounded, predominantly women and children, amidst severe famine and destruction.
Despite calls from the international community for a ceasefire, Israel has persisted in its military operations, disregarding UN Security Council resolutions aimed at halting hostilities and preventing further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
