DaysofPal- Adnan Abu Hasna, the media advisor to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), has issued a stark warning about the catastrophic consequences of the Israeli decision to halt the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
In a statement to Sanad News Agency, Abu Hasna condemned using food and aid as a “negotiating weapon,” emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable and violate international law.
A Critical Humanitarian Situation
Despite a slight improvement in the entry of food supplies following the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire.
The war of extermination and years of blockade have left deep scars on the population, with 2.3 million Palestinians now facing severe shortages of basic food items. According to Abu Hasna, the aid currently reaching Gaza is woefully insufficient, meeting only a fraction of the population’s needs.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported last October that 80% of Gaza’s population relies on international aid due to the prolonged siege and devastation caused by recent conflicts. With the Israeli decision to stop the flow of aid, the already precarious situation is set to deteriorate further, potentially leading to a full-blown humanitarian disaster.
Using Aid as a Weapon
Abu Hasna denounced the Israeli move as a violation of international laws and UN protocols, stressing that humanitarian aid should never be used as leverage in political negotiations. He called for the unrestricted resumption of aid deliveries, highlighting the urgent need to support Gaza’s vulnerable population, many of whom depend entirely on assistance from organizations like UNRWA.
Hamas echoed these concerns, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to circumvent the ceasefire agreement by adopting U.S.-backed proposals to extend the first phase indefinitely. The movement described this tactic as “cheap blackmail” and a “blatant coup against the agreement,” warning that it constitutes a war crime and an act of “starvation warfare.”
Calls for International Pressure
In response to Israeli actions, the government media office in Gaza labeled the halt in aid as a “war of starvation”. It urged mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, to pressure Israeli occupation into fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire agreement. This includes implementing the humanitarian protocol, allowing the entry of shelter materials, relief supplies, rescue equipment, and other essential resources desperately needed in Gaza.
The cessation of aid comes at a critical juncture, just hours after the expiration of the first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. As negotiations over the second phase remain deadlocked, the people of Gaza face mounting pressures, with their survival increasingly tied to the outcome of diplomatic efforts.
A Fragile Balance
The international community must act swiftly to prevent further deterioration in Gaza’s humanitarian conditions. Allowing the crisis to escalate risks undermining the fragile truce and reigniting violence, jeopardizing prospects for peace in the region. As Abu Hasna emphasized, ensuring the free flow of aid is not only a moral imperative but also a legal obligation enshrined in international law.
For the millions of Palestinians living in Gaza, the stakes could not be higher. Their ability to rebuild their lives and recover from the horrors of war hinges on the world’s commitment to upholding justice and providing lifesaving support during this time of immense need.
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