Gaza – As Gaza faces the worst hunger crisis in its history, Israel is intensifying its pressure on the United Nations’ humanitarian relief operations, drawing sharp warnings from the UN and deepening fears for the lives of millions trapped in the besieged enclave.
In a stark update, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that aid reaching Gaza is now merely a trickle, unable to meet the overwhelming needs of a population enduring famine, mass displacement, and the collapse of basic infrastructure.
“The hunger crisis in Gaza has never been so dire,” the agency said.
“All too often, civilians approaching UN aid trucks are shot at.”
Israeli Accusations and New Restrictions
Despite providing no public evidence, Israeli officials have escalated attacks on OCHA’s credibility. Israeli ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, claimed this week that there was “clear evidence” of Hamas ties within OCHA ranks—an allegation dismissed by the UN as unfounded.
In response, Israeli authorities have moved to tighten restrictions on the agency’s operations, announcing that hundreds of OCHA staff will now be subject to vetting and that the visa of OCHA’s Head of Office in Israel will not be renewed.
UN Pushes Back: “Punitive Measures Will Cost Lives”
The United Nations defended its humanitarian arm strongly, with Secretary-General António Guterres expressing “full confidence in OCHA’s professionalism and impartiality.”
A UN spokesperson warned that Israel’s moves could have deadly consequences:
“Any punitive measures will only add to the obstacles preventing humanitarians from reaching people facing hunger, displacement and deprivation.”
Aid Blocked as Famine Spreads
Since October 2023, Gaza has endured a relentless blockade, repeated military offensives, and a near-total collapse of food, water, and medical supply chains. The result is a deepening catastrophe that aid groups say now borders on engineered starvation.
Humanitarian convoys have been repeatedly delayed, attacked, or denied access altogether. According to Palestinian health authorities, over 100 people, including dozens of children, have died from starvation and malnutrition in recent months—numbers that are expected to rise sharply if access continues to be restricted.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=66038
