Gaza/Jerusalem, May 13, 2025 — The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has accused Israel of using starvation as a “weapon of war” in Gaza, amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.
In an interview with the BBC, Lazzarini said that restrictions on food and aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip have pushed the population to the brink of famine. “Today, in Gaza, we see the use of food, or the lack of it, as a weapon of war,” he stated.
The comments come as reports continue to emerge of widespread hunger and malnutrition among civilians in northern Gaza, where aid convoys have struggled to reach due to Israeli military operations and road closures.
Israel has denied allegations of intentionally blocking aid, stating that it is committed to allowing humanitarian assistance into the area, provided it does not benefit Hamas or other militant groups. However, aid agencies have warned that bureaucratic delays, checkpoints, and ongoing military actions have made effective distribution nearly impossible.
Lazzarini emphasized the need for immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian workers. “What is happening is a man-made disaster. It can be stopped,” he urged.
The UN has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and the establishment of secure humanitarian corridors. As international pressure mounts, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 2 million people in urgent need of food, water, and medical care.