New York: Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), emphasized on Tuesday that "UNRWA is irreplaceable," noting that its logistical infrastructure supports numerous humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Speaking before the United Nations Security Council, Egeland stated that despite the ceasefire in Gaza, "major humanitarian challenges persist." Humanitarian organizations, including the NRC, face immense obstacles in delivering life-saving aid.
According to Jordan News Agency, Egeland added that security risks, such as looting and attacks on aid convoys, have disrupted operations, while restrictions on movement imposed by Israeli forces have hindered the distribution of aid. Additionally, a severe fuel shortage continues to exacerbate the crisis.
Egeland highlighted that "the conflict in Gaza has had devastating consequences, with over 45,000 people killed, many still believed to be under the rubble, and more than 106,000 injured, half of whom are women and children."
He stressed the necessity of ensuring unrestricted access, protection, and security for relief operations, enhancing coordination and oversight mechanisms, and providing fair, sustainable, and flexible funding to meet urgent humanitarian needs and ensure an effective response in Gaza.
Egeland also expressed concern over the escalation of violence in the West Bank, stating, "We are already witnessing similar patterns of illegal and disproportionate use of force in the West Bank, as we saw in Gaza before the ceasefire. We cannot allow this to happen."