The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has issued a dire warning about the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, stating that starvation is now widespread, with people reportedly fainting in the streets due to extreme hunger.

In a strongly worded statement released Friday, UNRWA condemned the current aid distribution system as inhumane and degrading, asserting that it has stripped dignity from families who are hungry, wounded, frightened, and exhausted after months of relentless conflict and blockade.

"No One Should Have to Risk Their Life for Food"

“No person, anywhere, should be forced to choose between risking their life and feeding their family,” the agency declared, highlighting the impossible choices Gaza’s residents are forced to make daily amid collapsed infrastructure, constant bombardment, and severe food shortages.

UNRWA recalled that during previous ceasefire periods, UN agencies had successfully delivered large-scale, life-saving humanitarian assistance across Gaza in a coordinated and safe manner. The agency reaffirmed its readiness to resume those efforts immediately—if allowed access.

Urgent Plea: Lift the Siege

“We have the systems, the expertise, and the will. What we need is access,” the agency stated. “Lift the siege. Let us do our job.”

UNRWA's call comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza reaches catastrophic levels. With limited aid trickling in under highly militarized and restricted conditions, and distribution sites often targeted or overwhelmed, Gaza’s population of over two million faces hunger, dehydration, and mounting health crises.

The agency’s warning adds to growing international pressure for immediate humanitarian access and a full lifting of the Israeli-imposed siege on Gaza to prevent further loss of life. (ILKHA)