Gaza aid distribution has become a death trap

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General

1 June 2025, From Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General as posted on his official X account (previously known as Twitter)

Mass casualties including scores of injured and killed among starving civilians due to gunshots this morning. This is according to reports from international medics on ground.

A distribution point by the Israeli- American plan was put far south in Rafah.

This humiliating system has forced thousands of hungry and desperate people to walk for tens of miles to an area that’s all but pulverized due to heavy bombardment by the Israeli Army.

Aid deliveries and distribution must be at scale and safe. In Gaza, this can be done only through the United Nations including UNRWA .

The State of Israel must lift the siege and allow the UN safe and unhindered access to bring in aid and distribute it safely.

This is the only way to avert mass starvation including among 1 million children.

With competing narratives and disinformation campaigns in full gear, international media must be allowed into Gaza to independently report on the ongoing atrocities including this morning’s heinous crime. - UNRWA