UNRWA: 'No one should be forced to choose between risking their life and feeding their family'

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warned that "starvation is increasing" in Gaza in a post on X on Friday, and pleaded for the opportunity to resume its humanitarian work in the strip.

"People are fainting in the streets from hunger," the statement said. "The current aid distribution system has humiliated and dehumanised hungry and scared, injured and exhausted families. No person, anywhere, should be forced to choose between risking their life and feeding their family.

It added that during the ceasefire, the UN - including UNRWA - proved it can deliver life-saving assistance safely and at scale across the Gaza Strip.

"We have the systems, the expertise, and the will. What we need is access. Lift the siege. Let us do our job."

Israel banned UNRWA from operating in Gaza and Israel on 28 October 2024,