Lazzarini says Israel out to destroy UNRWA
UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini says Israel is waging a concerted campaign aimed at destroying the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, with his resignation being part of the Netanyahu government’s push. “Right now, we are dealing with an expanded, concerted campaign by Israel aimed at destroying UNRWA,” he told the Swiss newspaper group Tamedia.
“It is a long-term political goal because it is believed that if the aid agency is abolished, the status of the Palestinian refugees will be resolved once and for all – and with it, the right of return. There is a much larger political goal behind this. “Just look at the number of actions Israel is taking against UNRWA,” he said, citing moves to remove the agency’s VAT exemption and orders for contractors at Israel’s port of Ashdod to “stop handling certain food deliveries for UNRWA”.
More than 150 UNRWA installations have been hit since the Gaza war began, according to the agency. Israel has called for Lazzarini to step down following claims that a Hamas tunnel had been discovered under its evacuated Gaza City headquarters. Lazzarini said the tunnel was 20 metres (66 feet) below ground and UNRWA, as a humanitarian organisation, did not have the capabilities to examine what was underground in Gaza.
The damaged Gaza City headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on February 15
Jabalia refugee camp as Israeli attacks continue
Queueing for water at the Jabalia refugee camp
How Rafah’s songbirds help Palestinians cope with terror of war
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/17/how-the-songbirds-of-rafah-help-palestinians-cope-with-the-terror-of-war
Rafah, Gaza Strip – Near al-Awda Mosque, a small bird flutters in a cage hanging on the outer wall of a school currently used as a shelter for people displaced by Israeli attacks on Gaza. Once sought after for their vibrant colours and soothing melodies, these birds now help Palestinians endure the thunderous sounds of relentless explosions.
Despite the costs, many parents bought birds to help distract their children from the horrors of war
Israeli forces block WHO medicine, fuel for Nasser Hospital
For almost 10 hours now, there’s been two trucks filled with medical supplies outside of Nasser Hospital. They’re also carrying much-needed fuel for generators to provide power to the besieged health facility. These two trucks were sent by the World Health Organization but have been blocked by Israeli military tanks and bulldozers. They’ve been surrounded and prevented from moving, they’re about 50 metres from the hospital’s front gate.
This threatens the lives of hundreds of people trapped inside, including babies in incubators and patients in the intensive care unit. Medical staff have reportedly been detained and beaten. The coming hours will be difficult as this unfolding tragedy continues.
Wounded Palestinians receive care at Nasser Hospital in southern Khan Younis
Gaza war death toll now at 28,858
The Health Ministry in Gaza says at least 28,858 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory during the war with Israel. A ministry statement said 68,667 people have also been wounded in Gaza since war erupted on October 7. Thousands of bodies are believed buried in the rubble throughout the war-ravaged territory, meaning the actual death toll is far higher.
