After returning from the Gaza Strip, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said that the scale of the tragedy is unprecedented. ‘I have just returned from the Gaza Strip. This is the first time I have been allowed in since the beginning of this horrific war, almost four weeks ago. The scale of the tragedy is unprecedented.’ Lazzarini met with displaced Palestinians sheltered in one of the UNRWA schools in Rafah city. ‘They showed me where it was damaged during bombardments. One person was killed and more than 80 were injured. The place was overcrowded. The levels of distress and the unsanitary living conditions were beyond comprehension. Everyone was just asking for water and food. Instead of being at school, learning, children were asking for a sip of water and a piece of bread. It was heart-wrenching. Above all, people were asking for a ceasefire. They want this tragedy to end. ‘ ‘It was one of the saddest days in my humanitarian work,’ he stressed. For people in Gaza, UNRWA has become the last remaining lifeline for survival as the markets are empty. Water, food, medicine and fuel are running out fast, he added. ‘Every day becomes bleaker as we continue to lose colleagues. Where will this end? More than 70 UNRWA colleagues have been killed since 7 October, often along with their families. I expressed all my admiration and respect to my colleagues; they are a ray of light coming out of Gaza. They themselves have been impacted like everyone else. They are also displaced, they are also struggling to get food, water and safety. Despite that, they are serving the community, making the impossible possible. I reassured them that the Agency is committed to stay and scale up.’ He stressed that UNRWA will continue to stand with Palestine Refugees and the rest of the Palestinian communities. ‘The current humanitarian response is by far not enough, nor does it match the huge needs of people in Gaza. More than ever, we need a meaningful humanitarian response to prevent people dying because of the Siege,’ he said. ‘I call once again for urgent fuel deliveries. No fuel has come for nearly one month and this is having a devastating impact on hospitals, bakeries, water plants, and our operations.’ ‘Our calls are falling on deaf ears. A humanitarian ceasefire is long overdue. Without it, more people will be killed, those who are alive will endure further losses, and the once vibrant society will be in grief, forever,’ he concluded.

Source: En – Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA