The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has once again highlighted the enduring plight of Palestinian refugees, calling it the "longest unresolved refugee crisis in the world."

The agency’s statement, issued on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, underscores the devastating ongoing situation in Gaza, particularly since the escalation of violence in October 2023.

UNRWA drew attention to the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as the most intense bombardment of a civilian population since World War II. The agency emphasized that the Gaza Strip has been subjected to unprecedented levels of destruction, with civilian casualties mounting at an alarming rate, and basic infrastructure being obliterated.

“This is the second consecutive year that the International Day of Solidarity coincides with the ongoing genocide in Gaza, a crisis unfolding without any effective international intervention or deterrence,” UNRWA stated, marking the occasion with a renewed call for global attention and action.

The agency also reiterated the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, stressing that the international community must act to end the violence and prevent further loss of life. The statement comes as the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, with Palestinians enduring not only the bombardment but also extreme shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.

UNRWA's plea for a ceasefire aims to halt the ongoing devastation and provide the Palestinian people with much-needed humanitarian aid and protection, while also addressing the broader issue of Palestinian refugees who continue to live in displacement after decades of conflict. (ILKHA)