UNRWA Chief Warns of Silent Famine Unfolding in Gaza
Gaza, 24 July 2025 – Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), has issued a stark warning that famine is beginning to silently unfold across the Gaza Strip. Speaking on Thursday, Lazzarini described a deeply concerning situation marked by severe food insecurity and a breakdown in essential services, painting a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis gripping the territory.
The UNRWA chief’s statement highlights the critical deterioration of living conditions for the Palestinian population in Gaza, many of whom are already displaced and reliant on humanitarian assistance. The ongoing conflict and its repercussions have severely disrupted the supply of food, water, and medical aid, pushing the population to the brink.
“A famine is silently beginning to unfold,” Lazzarini stated, emphasizing the slow and insidious nature of this developing catastrophe. This sentiment underscores the urgency of the situation, suggesting that while widespread, overt signs of starvation might not yet be universally visible, the conditions necessary for famine – widespread hunger, malnutrition, and disease – are rapidly taking hold.
The root causes of this escalating crisis are multifaceted, stemming directly from the conflict’s impact on infrastructure, supply chains, and the accessibility of humanitarian aid. Blockades and restrictions on the entry of essential goods have crippled the local economy and made it exceedingly difficult to distribute even the limited aid that manages to enter Gaza. Furthermore, damaged infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems, has exacerbated the risk of waterborne diseases, further compounding the health challenges faced by the population.
UNRWA, as a key provider of essential services to Palestinian refugees, is on the front lines of this humanitarian emergency. The agency’s operations, which include food distribution, healthcare, and shelter, are under immense strain due to the scale of the needs and the challenges in accessing affected areas and procuring necessary supplies. Lazzarini’s warning serves as a direct appeal for increased and unimpeded humanitarian access and a renewed global commitment to address the root causes of this unfolding tragedy.
The international community is urged to heed these grave warnings and to take immediate, decisive action. This includes ensuring the safe and unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, and exploring all avenues for a sustainable peace that addresses the underlying political issues driving the conflict. The silent unfolding of famine is a humanitarian emergency that demands a swift and comprehensive response to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
‘Famine silently begins to unfold’ in Gaza, UNRWA chief says
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