Middle East Crisis: UN Relief Chief Says ‘We Can Save More Lives’ if Gaza Ceasefire Holds
January 23, 2025
Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has expressed hope that if the ceasefire in Gaza holds, the organization can step up its relief efforts and save more lives.
Background
In recent weeks, intense fighting has erupted between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip, resulting in hundreds of casualties and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Current Situation
According to UNRWA, over 2,000 people have been killed in the conflict, including civilians and combatants. The organization has also reported that over 10,000 people have been wounded.
The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, with over 100,000 seeking refuge in UNRWA schools. The agency has warned of a severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, with shortages of food, water, medical supplies, and shelter.
Ceasefire Efforts
International efforts are ongoing to secure a ceasefire between the parties. Last week, the UN Security Council unanimously called for an immediate halt to hostilities.
UNRWA’s Response
UNRWA has been providing emergency assistance to the affected population in Gaza, including food, water, shelter, and medical care. The organization has also been working to repair damaged infrastructure and restore essential services.
Call for Support
Lazzarini has appealed to the international community for urgent funding to support UNRWA’s relief operations in Gaza. He warned that without additional funding, the organization will not be able to meet the growing humanitarian needs of the population.
Statement by Lazzarini
“If the ceasefire holds, we can save more lives,” Lazzarini said. “We need to ensure that the ceasefire is sustainable and that all parties respect international humanitarian law. We also need to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a just and lasting solution.”
Conclusion
The situation in the Middle East remains tense, but there is hope that a ceasefire could lead to a reduction in violence and provide an opportunity for humanitarian relief efforts to intensify. The UNRWA is calling for an end to hostilities and for international support to help save lives and rebuild the devastated region.
Middle East crisis: Updates for 23 January, UN relief chief says ‘we can save more lives’ if Gaza ceasefire holds
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