In a dire warning on Sunday, Philippe Lazzarini, the Director-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), cautioned that the agency is set to run out of fuel in three days. This impending fuel shortage, if not urgently addressed, could cripple the humanitarian response in Gaza, placing the lives of its two million inhabitants at further risk.
Lazzarini highlighted the catastrophic consequences that would result from this fuel shortage: no water, malfunctioning hospitals and bakeries, and the inability to deliver aid to those in desperate need. Without power, the provision of essential humanitarian assistance would come to a grinding halt.
The situation is particularly dire for the vulnerable children, women, and residents of Gaza, who are already facing immense hardship due to the ongoing conflict. Since the commencement of hostilities on October 7, over a million people have been displaced, with more than half a million seeking shelter in UNRWA’s facilities.
Lazzarini emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “Without fuel, we will fail the people of Gaza whose needs are growing by the hour, under our watch. This cannot and should not happen.” He called upon all parties involved and those with influence over them to promptly facilitate the supply of fuel to Gaza, ensuring that it is strictly dedicated to sustaining humanitarian operations and preventing the collapse of vital services.
While Lazzarini applauded the recent entry of the first humanitarian convoy into Gaza on Saturday, he stressed that this assistance is far from sufficient. The need for sustained aid is paramount, as the dire situation continues to deteriorate.
On Sunday, UNRWA released its latest situation report, revealing the tragic loss of 29 staff members since the beginning of the conflict, with an additional 17 injured. Half of those killed were teachers, highlighting the devastating toll this crisis has taken on the education sector. The report also documented the deaths of 12 displaced individuals who sought refuge in UNRWA schools, with nearly 180 others sustaining injuries.
The international community must urgently rally to address the fuel crisis in Gaza. Failure to do so would risk the collapse of essential services and place the lives of countless innocent civilians in even greater jeopardy.
