Philippe Lazzarini warns new distribution model will deepen hunger, undermine trusted humanitarian channels
The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on Thursday sharply criticized the new Israeli mechanism for delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza, calling it "degrading, humiliating" and a threat to civilian lives.
Philippe Lazzarini voiced his concern in a post on X, referring to the involvement of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in a new Israeli plan to coordinate aid distribution in the enclave.
"The so called new way of handling assistance in #Gaza is most degrading, humiliating and puts lives in danger," Lazzarini wrote. "This 'model' will not address the deepening hunger."
He described the system as a "dystopian 'Hunger Games'" scenario, warning that such an approach "cannot become the new reality."
Lazzarini emphasized that UN agencies, including UNRWA, have the necessary infrastructure and trust to deliver aid effectively.
"The UN, including UNRWA, has the knowledge, expertise and community trust to provide dignified and safe assistance," he said.
His message concluded with a direct call to allow international agencies to operate without interference: "Just let the humanitarians do their jobs."
The remarks came amid growing criticism of efforts to bypass established UN-led humanitarian operations in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate amid intense conflict and access restrictions.
Israel has kept all Gaza border crossings closed to humanitarian aid since early March, prompting aid agencies to warn of an imminent risk of famine among the enclave's 2.4 million inhabitants.
