UNRWA Says Palestinians In Gaza Depend On Humanitarian Aid

Refugees in Gaza queue for food. (Source: UNRWA/Ashraf Amra)

JAKARTA - The United Nations Agency for Assistance and Work (UNRWA) on Sunday warned that Palestinians in Gaza are now fully dependent on humanitarian aid "in the midst of the continued eroding of the UN's ability to fulfill its mandate."

In a post on UNRWA social media, a displaced Palestinian woman was testified that she could not receive medicine after supplies ran out, due to Israeli restrictions on agency operations in the region.

"I traveled a long way, passing through a large crowd just to get to the clinic at Khan Younis in order to get my medicines. I have chronic diseases, but no drugs are available," wrote UNRWA, citing Jamila's (80) statement, launching WAFA December 2.

"I used to fully depend on UNRWA for health care and education for myself, my children, and my grandchildren. Now, I face a terrible reality. Who will stand beside us if UNRWA is not here?," he continued.

The agency added in the same post, "In war-torn Gaza, civilians like Jamila only depend on humanitarian assistance. The United Nations' ability to fulfill its mandate is constantly being damaged."

On the occasion UNRWA reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire, stressing Israel continues to control the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly in the northern region of the Gaza Strip, and refusing to cooperate with international organizations and the United Nations to allow the entry of food, medicine, and other essential equipment.