The Urgent Call for Action in Gaza: A Plea for Humanity
Juliette Touma, the Director of Communications at UNRWA, has sounded the alarm on the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a heartfelt plea to the international community, she urges for immediate action to reach a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of vital aid to the people of Gaza.
Speaking to Vatican News, Touma emphasized the urgent need to end the bombings and provide relief to the people of Gaza. “We need the bombings to stop,” she said. “People need some relief. The hostages must be released, and humanitarian and commercial aid must be allowed in.”
The Dire Situation in Gaza
According to Touma, the situation in Gaza is dire, exacerbated by a two-month-long siege that has depleted basic supplies such as food, hygiene products, and medicine. Despite the challenges, UNRWA’s dedicated staff of over 10,000 individuals continue to provide essential services on the ground.
Before the war, many of these staff members were educators, but the closure of schools due to the conflict has forced them to shift their focus to supporting the humanitarian response. The ongoing bombings have left the people of Gaza desperate for safety, with nowhere being truly safe – not even schools, UN buildings, or hospitals, all of which have been targeted.
The Threat of Starvation
Meanwhile, the announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of plans to invade and occupy Gaza has raised concerns about the forced relocation of over two million people. Touma stressed the importance of a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages, along with the regular flow of humanitarian and commercial supplies to prevent further devastation in Gaza.
Gaza’s economy has been decimated, leaving the majority of the population dependent on aid for survival. The looming threat of starvation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian corridors to be reopened to prevent further loss of life.
UNRWA Staff Among the Victims
Tragically, deaths in Gaza continue to rise, including among UNRWA personnel. Touma spoke emotionally about the loss of nearly 300 UN colleagues, many of whom died alongside their families. Some staff members have also been arrested and subjected to inhumane treatment during the conflict, highlighting the need for the protection of humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
Regional Support and Solidarity
Despite the challenges, UNRWA remains committed to providing education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees across the region, including those in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. The agency continues to support vulnerable populations in the midst of ongoing conflict and instability.
The situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly desperate by the day, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention and support. As the world watches the crisis unfold, the call for action to save lives and preserve humanity in Gaza has never been more critical.
