UN official accuses Israel of using aid as a weapon against Gaza

The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, has accused Israel of weaponizing humanitarian aid by blocking essential supplies and electricity to Gaza. Speaking in Geneva, Lazzarini warned that if the current restrictions continue, the region could face a severe hunger crisis.

Israel ceased humanitarian aid on the first of the month after Hamas rejected a US-sponsored deal prolonging the ceasefire. During the weekend, Israel also started withholding electricity, a decision for which the UK and Germany have both voiced their disapproval.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen noted that the intention behind this policy is to compel Hamas to release the captives and to stop the group’s control of Gaza. 

UN warns against the deteriorating humanitarian conditions

Aid deliveries to Gaza were increased to several folds during the ceasefire, which contributed to reducing the food shortage and bringing back some health services. The blockade, along with the electricity cut, has however made it impossible for these programs to continue, especially in key facilities like the major water desalination plant. 

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António Guterres’ UN Secretary spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric also shares his boss’ sentiments over the actions taken by Israel. He pointed out that humanitarian aid has significantly reduced the flow of clean drinking water to Gaza. 

Currently the desalination facility is using backup generators which substantially lowers the water output, thus cascading the predicament for tens of thousands of families.

Ceasefire negotiations and mounting casualties

As the humanitarian situation in these areas continue to deteriorate, the ceasefire talks are set to resume in Qatar. Hamas is believed to be pushing for a second phase which includes Israeli troops withdrawal,  release of hostages, and a permanent ceasefire  while Israel is insisting that Hamas agrees to prolong the first phase of the truce.

Hamas is believed to be holding 24 living hostages along with the bodies of 35 others. The conflict began with Hamas’ October 2023 attack, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel and led to the capture of 251 hostages. 

In response, Israel’s military offensive has killed over 48,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.