Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), described the year-long Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip as an "endless nightmare" in remarks to reporters at the United Nations office in Geneva on Monday.

Following meetings with representatives from several countries, Lazzarini painted a grim picture of Gaza’s deteriorating conditions, stating: “Gaza has become uninhabitable; its people face disease, death, or hunger on a daily basis.” He added that Gaza’s residents are trapped in just 10% of the Strip's land, constantly seeking safety that remains elusive.

According to Lazzarini, over 620,000 children are currently living among the rubble of destroyed homes in Gaza, where the destruction has left the population in dire circumstances. He also urged UN member states to prioritize education, highlighting that despite the ongoing devastation, UNRWA had managed to reintroduce some children to learning environments within the past month.

"Education is the only asset that has never been taken away from Palestinians," Lazzarini emphasized, noting that education remains a source of pride for the Palestinian people despite the decades of deprivation they have endured.

Lazzarini also spoke of the “silent tragedy” unfolding in the West Bank, where military operations in refugee camps have resulted in widespread damage to infrastructure.

Addressing the situation in Lebanon, the UNRWA chief said that 3,500 people, including Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese fleeing violence in southern Lebanon, are being hosted in UNRWA shelters across nine locations.

Lazzarini’s statements come amid ongoing efforts by the international community to respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon. (ILKHA)