US-backed Gaza aid model ‘waste of assets, distraction from atrocities’: UNRWA head

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini (Image credit score: UNRWA official web site)

The new US-backed aid distribution model in Gaza is a waste of assets and a distraction from “atrocities”, the head of the UN company for Palestinian refugees Philippe Lazzarini mentioned Wednesday.“I believe it is a waste of resources and a distraction from atrocities. We already have an aid distribution system that is fit for purpose,” Lazzarini mentioned in Japan.“The humanitarian community in Gaza, including UNRWA, is ready. We have the experience and expertise to reach people in need,” he mentioned.“Meanwhile, the clock is ticking towards famine, so humanitarian (work) must be allowed to do its life-saving work now,” he added.The new US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) started operations at an aid distribution centre in southern Gaza on Tuesday.Chaotic scenes ensued as hundreds of Palestinians rushed into the centre in Rafah, AFP journalists reported.The incident got here days after the partial easing of a complete aid blockade on the territory that Israel imposed on March 2, resulting in extreme shortages of meals and drugs.“We have seen yesterday the shocking images of hungry people pushing against fences, desperate for food. It was chaotic, undignified and unsafe,” Lazzarini mentioned in Tokyo.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later acknowledged a “loss of control momentarily” on the centre, however a senior army official mentioned the distribution was nonetheless “a success”.The United States introduced in early May the brand new model, sidelining the United Nations.Israel has facilitated GHF’s efforts to distribute aid in Gaza, saying it goals to maintain provides out of Hamas’s palms.But GHF has confronted accusations of serving to Israel fulfil its army goals whereas excluding Palestinians, bypassing the UN system, and failing to stick to humanitarian ideas.“The model of aid distribution proposed by Israel does not align with core humanitarian principle. It will deprive a large part of Gaza, the highly vulnerable people, of desperately needed assistance,” Lazzarini mentioned Wednesday.