The situation was further determined after Israel’s decision on Sunday of reducing Enclave energy – in an attempt to increase pressure on Hamas on hostage releases – interrupting vital deventy operations.
ROSALIA BOLLEN, A UNICEF employee in Gaza, reported that 600,000 people who recovered access to drinking water in November 2024 are once again cut. “It’s really vital for thousands of families and children to restore this connection,” she said.
UN agencies estimate that 1.8 million people – more than half of them children – urgently need water assistance, sanitation and hygiene.
Speaking of a press conference in Geneva, the UN Assistance Agency for Palestine Refugees (Unrwa) General commissioner Philippe Lazzarini expressed that “The situation is similar to that prevailed in October 2023.”
SHIPPING OF THE SUMMARY
Mr. Lazzarini highlighted the growing crisis in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli security operations have led to the largest displacement of Palestinians since 1967.
About 40,000 people, many of them refugees, were forced to flee their homes, With emptied entire communities due to intensified military activities.
The general commissioner condemned what he called UNRWA’s systematic dismantling in the West Bank and East Jerusalem after Israel’s ban on the agency’s operations, pointing to the “increased pressure of the municipality to vacate its facilities and interrupting the provision of services”, with the international team denied or expelled.
Mr. Lazzarini warned that efforts to undermine Unrwa – through the financing of suspensions, legislative restrictions and disinformation campaigns – represent a severe threat to regional stability.
Requires access without obstacles
Humanitarian coordinator Muhannad Hadi has asked for the entry of help that saves his life to resume “immediately”, as any delays will affect the progress achieved during ceasing.
Meanwhile, Lazzarini further emphasized the importance of a political structure to prevent the crisis from increasing.
He referenced the ongoing diplomatic efforts, including proposals led by Saudi Arabia, the European Union and the League of Arab States, to implement a solution of two states and transit humanitarian services to institutions led by Palestinians.
“When there is political will, humanitarian assistance can be without obstacles and uninterrupted,” he stressed.
Financing crisis
As the crisis unfolds, Unrwa is also struggling with severe financial restrictions, exacerbated by financing of -chave donor suspensions.
Mr. Lazzarini has asked the states to support Unrwa’s operations until a clear political solution arises, warning that the support cut prematurely will only intensify requests for return or resettlement of the Palestinians.
“Palestinian refugees rights exist regardless of the agency“He said, noting that the end of Unrwa’s mandate without a viable alternative will only deepen civil suffering.
