NEW YORK, May 2, 2025 (WAFA) — The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned on Friday that the ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza is silently killing increasing numbers of children, women, and the elderly each day, beyond those already dying from airstrikes.
In a post on X, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the situation, stating, “Today marks two months of siege on the people of Gaza. It is a siege on children, women, older people and ordinary men. They are collectively punished for being born & living in Gaza, something not of their making.”
“With every additional day, the siege will silently kill more children and women in addition to those killed by bombardments,” Lazzarini wrote. “The State of Israel must lift the siege + allow a flow of basic supplies.”
Since March 2, Israeli occupation authorities have completely closed all border crossings into Gaza, blocking humanitarian aid and fuel deliveries. The World Bank has described the population as having been “plunged into poverty” by over 19 months of relentless war.
The humanitarian crisis is further exacerbated by mass displacement. More than 90% of Gaza’s population has been forced from their homes — many repeatedly — and now live in overcrowded shelters or in the open without adequate shelter, leading to the rapid spread of disease and worsening public health conditions.
M.N
