UNRWA: Residents Are Literally Trapped in Gaza

The Deputy Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Natalie Boucly, described the situation in Gaza, which she recently visited, as "shocking for her," pointing out that "the residents are literally trapped." Boucly stated, "What shocked me the most, in 2024, is that people are actually under siege, unable to obtain the most basic food or medicine, and they are at risk due to health conditions." She confirmed that the assistance entering the Gaza Strip is "extremely meager," and that the needs are so enormous that any means of delivering aid is absolutely welcome. However, the UN official emphasized that the safest and cheapest way to deliver relief is by land, referring to recent efforts by some countries to deliver aid by sea and via air drops. Boucly addressed the situation of women in Gaza, saying, "UNRWA has a special team to ensure as much protection as possible for women, as the risks of gender-based violence are present when people live in overcrowded conditions." She also warned about the impact of some donor countries suspending their financial contributions to UNRWA, noting that "this is not just about Gaza; the freeze in funding has affected all five areas where UNRWA operates, including the Gaza Strip, the West Bank including East Jerusalem, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria."