Humanitarian leaders and organizations are raising alarms about the worsening situation in Gaza, where a famine is now considered imminent. David Miliband, alongside 50 NGO leaders, has called on President Biden to leverage U.S. security assistance to mitigate this crisis. The UN's top humanitarian coordinator in Gaza highlighted that although Israel has improved the delivery of relief supplies, the efforts are still insufficient to prevent starvation. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) emphasized the critical need for safe and unimpeded access to deliver essential services, as healthcare and sanitation conditions deteriorate. Reports from USAID officials suggest that Israel may have violated U.S. directives by hindering the delivery of aid, exacerbating the crisis. Additionally, Israeli authorities approved just over half of all medical evacuation requests, and a 9-month-old named Jamila survived pneumonia thanks to UNRWA's healthcare services.
.@devex's @columlynch: In confidential paper, USAID officials conclude Israel has violated Biden admin directive that recipients of U.S. military assistance permit delivery of aid; and in separate memo, USG experts warn Gaza famine now "inevitable." https://t.co/CyorVhnSuv
🔹"@UNRWA is irreplaceable and indispensable as a humanitarian lifeline and must be allowed to deliver on its mandate" – @SigridKaag 🔹#Gaza: according to the Health Cluster, as of 24 April, Israeli authorities approved just over half of all medical evacuation requests
Healthcare provided by @UNRWA teams in #Gaza is critical to save lives. 9-month-old Jamila survived pneumonia thanks to the skills & dedication of @UNRWA health staff More children and families rely on our support. Safe & unimpeded access across #GazaStrip can't wait any longer https://t.co/n4sZBIM10z
The top UN humanitarian coordinator for Gaza says "Israel has taken steps to improve the delivery of relief supplies" but but "much more must be done....A famine is looming and...deliveries still fall short of the level needed to stop...starvation." https://t.co/W9eMyfgp5b
Lack of safe & unimpeded humanitarian access has devastating impact in #Gaza Waste continues piling up & running water is scarce. As the weather gets warmer, the risk of disease spreading increases across #GazaStrip @UNRWA services are critical, but not possible without access https://t.co/iy9T7wjVCZ
The status quo cannot continue in Gaza. Famine is imminent. I joined 50 NGO leaders to call on President Biden to use all leverage, including security assistance, to secure a series of steps that would help address this humanitarian catastrophe: https://t.co/v9s63DckzB