Gaza city: UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that three months following the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian aid provided remains insufficient to meet the essential needs of the population, emphasizing the ongoing struggles faced by the residents.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, a press statement released on Thursday detailed Lazzarini's concerns about the current situation in Gaza. He remarked, "Three months into the ceasefire, assistance is still insufficient to meet people's needs." While some food aid has reached the region, non-food aid is severely lacking, leaving many people living in precarious conditions among the rubble of their former homes. Vulnerable residents are enduring harsh living conditions in tents that fail to offer adequate protection from the elements.
Lazzarini highlighted the exacerbating effects of cold weather on the already strained population, who have endured a two-year war characterized by significant destruction, loss of life, and widespread displacement. He reiterated that the aid currently being provided does not sufficiently address the basic needs of the people in Gaza.
Despite these significant challenges, education remains a key focus for UNRWA. Lazzarini noted that over 60,000 children have resumed in-person schooling, and more than 280,000 are engaged in remote learning. However, he acknowledged that these efforts fall short of addressing the broader educational needs in the region.
Additionally, Lazzarini discussed UNRWA's ongoing financial crisis, exacerbated by the United States' decision to freeze funding to the agency since February 2024, following allegations against some staff members. He also mentioned that certain UNRWA activities in occupied East Jerusalem have been halted entirely due to Israeli laws and Israel's claim over East Jerusalem as part of its territory.