The situation in Gaza has worsened due to Israel’s recent decision to cut power to the region, a move intended to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages but which has now halted vital desalination operations. According to UNICEF official Rosalia Bollen, this has again severed 600,000 people, including many families and children, from access to clean drinking water, construction they had regained access to in November 2024. UN agencies have stated that approximately 1.8 million people, over half of whom are children, are in urgent need of water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance.
In a press conference in Geneva, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, likened the current situation in Gaza to that of October 2023. He also emphasized the growing crisis in the occupied West Bank where Israeli security operations have led to the displacement of around 40,000 Palestinians, marking the largest forced migration since 1967. Lazzarini condemned Israel’s ban on UNRWA operations as a systematic dismantling of the agency’s services, urging for international support to mitigate these pressures.
Humanitarian Coordinator Muhannad Hadi called for the immediate resumption of lifesaving aid, warning that delays would undermine the progress made during the ceasefire. Lazzarini stressed the need for a political solution, referencing ongoing diplomatic efforts such as the Saudi Arabia, European Union, and League of Arab States’ proposals for a two-State solution. He emphasized that with political will, humanitarian assistance can remain uninterrupted.
Furthermore, UNRWA is facing significant financial challenges due to funding suspensions from crucial donors. Lazzarini appealed to member states to continue supporting UNRWA’s operations until a political resolution is reached, cautioning that prematurely cutting support could exacerbate demands for the return or resettlement of Palestinians. He insisted that the rights of Palestinian refugees are independent of UNRWA’s existence, highlighting that the termination of UNRWA’s mandate without a viable alternative would only increase civilian suffering.
Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2025/03/1160961
