UNRWA chief calls Gaza aid airdrops “ineffective” amid worsening crisis

Saturday 26 July 2025 - 17:30

The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has condemned the resumed humanitarian airdrops over Gaza as an “ineffective” response to the deepening humanitarian crisis gripping the territory.

“Airdrops will not stop the worsening famine. They are expensive, ineffective, and can even kill starving civilians,” said Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s commissioner-general, in a statement posted Saturday on X (formerly Twitter).

On Friday, an Israeli official told AFP that humanitarian airdrops would soon resume in Gaza, coordinated primarily by the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. These countries were involved in similar operations during 2024, alongside France and others.

However, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate sharply. International organizations report a dramatic increase in child malnutrition and warn of famine in parts of the territory.

“This man-made famine can only be resolved through political will,” Lazzarini stressed, calling for the United Nations to be granted large-scale, unhindered access to Gaza.

Though he avoided naming Israel directly, his remarks come amid mounting international pressure on the country to ease humanitarian restrictions. Since early March, Gaza has faced a near-total blockade, prompting severe shortages of food, medicine, and essential goods.

While Israel claims it does not limit aid deliveries, the Israeli army stated Friday that international and UN organizations fail to collect and distribute the supplies once inside Gaza.

Humanitarian agencies operating in the region have long denounced administrative hurdles and restrictions that prevent them from effectively delivering aid. These include limits on the types of supplies allowed, delays, and logistical challenges.

Despite Israel’s claims, the need on the ground remains urgent. According to the Israeli defense body COGAT, 600 aid trucks were reportedly waiting to be unloaded on Saturday.

Aid airdrops, although highly visible, have drawn criticism for their limited effectiveness and risk. Past operations have tragically resulted in civilian casualties due to falling aid packages and the complex logistics required for minimal supply volumes.