Hunger Emerges as a Critical Threat in Gaza, UN Official Warns
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), issued a stark warning on August 5, 2025, that hunger has become the latest killer in Gaza as the region grapples with an escalating humanitarian crisis, reports 24brussels.
In a statement on his official X account, Lazzarini condemned ongoing efforts to replace the UN’s organized aid system with four Israeli militarized distribution points. He stressed that these changes have severely hindered humanitarian access and exacerbated the risk of famine.
Lazzarini highlighted that prior to the intensification of the crisis, community-based distribution centers supported by various organizations were able to provide essential food and assistance to over two million people. He stated, “It’s time for unhindered, safe and dignified assistance. Let the UN and our partners do their job.”
Since March 2, 2025, Israel has barred UNRWA from delivering aid into Gaza, resulting in 6,000 trucks worth of food and medical supplies being stranded in Egypt and Jordan. Lazzarini underscored that airdrops are 100 times more expensive than land deliveries and are considerably less effective, urging for the reopening of land crossings to introduce essential aid into Gaza.
UN estimates indicate that over 1,373 Palestinians have perished while attempting to access food at militarized aid sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which faces allegations of violating humanitarian principles while being supported by US and Israeli entities. The situation is dire, with the global acute malnutrition rate in Gaza surpassing 16.5%, exceeding established famine thresholds.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UNICEF have echoed calls for a sustainable ceasefire and the restoration of UN-led aid operations. Guterres characterized the current aid system as “inherently unsafe” and stated that it is “killing people” by forcing desperate civilians into militarized areas.
