NEW YORK, Dec 2 — The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warned Sunday that Palestinians in Gaza are now entirely dependent on humanitarian aid "amid the ongoing erosion of the United Nations' ability to fulfill its mandate”, Palestine News and Info Agency reported.
In a post on X, the agency shared the testimony of an elderly displaced Palestinian woman who has been unable to receive medication after stocks ran out, due to Israeli restrictions on the agency's operations in the region.
UNRWA quoted 80-year-old Jamila as saying: "I travelled long distances, passed through large crowds just to reach the clinic here in Khan Younis to get my medicine. I suffer from chronic diseases, yet there is no medicine available."
"I used to rely entirely on UNRWA for healthcare and education for myself, my children, and my grandchildren. Today, I face a terrifying reality. Who will stand by us if UNRWA is not here?"
The agency added in the same post: "In war-torn Gaza, civilians like Jamila have been left to rely exclusively on humanitarian aid. The ability of the United Nations to fulfil its mandate is being continuously undermined."
UNRWA reiterated the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, stressing that Israel continues to control the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, exacerbating the severe humanitarian crisis, especially in the northern parts of the Strip, and is refusing to cooperate with international and UN organisations to allow the entry of food, medicine, and other essential supplies.
— Bernama
