Philippe Lazzarini (UNRWA) on the situation in…

The Head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, today (13 Oct) said, "the call of the Israeli forces to move more than 1 million civilians living in northern Gaza within 24 hours is horrendous" and will lead to "an unprecedented level of misery."  Lazzarini said, "the scale and speed of the unfolding humanitarian crisis is bone-chilling. Gaza is fast becoming a hellhole and is on the brink of collapse. There is no exception. All parties must uphold the laws of war; humanitarian assistance must be provided at all times to civilians." He said, more than 2 million people are "caught up in this conflict" and UNRWA is "struggling" to fulfil its mandate.  He urged all parties, "and all those with influence over them, to put an end to this tragedy, and provide immediate and unconditional humanitarian access and protection to the civilians and among them, far, far too many women and children." To conclude, he said, "the time for humanity to prevail is now." The UN team in Palestine called on the Israeli Government to rescind its announcement for UN agencies and Palestinians to 'relocate to southern Gaza immediately' without any guarantee for their safety or their return.  This measure comes on the heels of 1,800 Palestinians being killed by Israeli airstrikes, the destruction of infrastructure, and a full siege that has deprived civilians of electricity, food, fuel, and clean water. UN agencies have transferred staff and operations to the southern part of the Strip to ensure that the delivery of humanitarian assistance can continue.