UNRWA warns of famine in Gaza as US-backed group loses control
ALBAWABA—UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini warned on Wednesday that the situation in the Gaza Strip is heading 'towards famine,' AFP reported. Also Read Chaos and accusations mar U.S.-run aid plans in Gaza
Lazzarini also decried the food aid distribution plan led by the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by the United States, after it lost control during its second day of operations, as it could not intake hundreds of thousands of Gazans.
"At one moment in the late afternoon, the volume of people at the SDS [secure distribution centre] was such that the GHF team fell back to allow a small number of Palestinians in Gaza to take aid safely and dissipate," the foundation explained in a statement.
Displaced Palestinians receive food packages from a US-backed foundation pledging to distribute humanitarian aid in western Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 27, 2025. (AFP)
"I believe it is a waste of resources and a distraction from atrocities. We already have an aid distribution system that is fit for purpose," Lazzarini revealed in Japan.
The United Nations confirmed that at least 47 people were injured during aid distribution in Gaza.
Yesterday, the UNRWA head met the Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and posted on X: "We also spoke about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, where half a million people face starvation. We stressed that the humanitarian imperative must guide our collective response & that lifting the siege must not be delayed any longer."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Bawaba
an hour ago
- Al Bawaba
Kuwait diplomat discusses bilateral ties with Sweden
Published June 5th, 2025 - 05:12 GMT KUWAIT, June 4 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Ambassador to Sweden Mohammad Hayati and Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard met in Stockholm on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation covering many areas. During the meeting, the Kuwaiti diplomat handed the Swedish minister a letter from Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya hailing bilateral relations between both friendly countries, which mark, this year, 60 years since they forged their diplomatic relations, the Kuwaiti Embassy in Sweden said in a press release. They also looked into ways of promoting bilateral cooperation in the investment field and trade exchange, and drawing upon Swedish expertise in innovation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, it added. Kuwaiti-Swedish cooperation covering health, pharmaceutical industries, green economy and recycling was also considered during the meeting between the Kuwaiti ambassador and the Swedish foreign minister. (end) Via All KUNA right are reserved � 2022.
Al Bawaba
11 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Israeli army retrieves bodies of 2 hostages from Gaza
Published June 5th, 2025 - 06:55 GMT ALBAWABA - The Israeli army confirmed on Thursday that it had found the bodies of two hostages, Judith Weinstein and her husband, Gadi Haggai, who were taken by Hamas fighters in October 2023. "In a special operation by the (security agency) and the (military) in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our hostages held by the murderous terrorist organisation Hamas were returned to Israel: Judy Weinstein-Haggai and Gad Haggai from Kibbutz Nir Oz, may their memory be blessed," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. The army revealed it conducted a special operation in collaboration with intelligence from the Shin Bet. Judith Weinstein and Gadi Haggai died in December 2023, The Jerusalem Post reported. Weinstein and Haggai both had US citizenship, and Haggai additionally held Canadian citizenship. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Al Bawaba
12 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Video: 60 pilgrims caught trying to sneak into Mecca on foot via desert
Published June 5th, 2025 - 06:04 GMT ALBAWABA - Hajj security forces arrested 60 expatriates holding visit visas while attempting to sneak into Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on foot via a desert road, in violation of Hajj regulations. Also Read Millions to begin sacred Hajj journey tomorrow from Mina Surveillance cameras captured the moment security patrols intervened and pursued the violators before stopping them, as they were walking in a lane not designated for pilgrims in an attempt to reach Mecca. Hajj forces mentioned that violators were referred to the relevant authorities to take legal action. It is worth noting that the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage began on June 4, with more than 1.5 million Muslims flocking to the holy city of Mecca. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
