Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa), has stressed that there is an imminent danger of famine looming over Gaza’s population.

“Don’t reinvent the wheel: putting together new ‘plans’ is a distraction from the atrocities + a waste of resources,” he said in a post on X. 

Lazzarini added that humanitarian groups, including the agency he heads, are ready to reach Palestinians in need, urging for Israel’s blockade to be lifted. 

“Our aid is piled up outside: food will rot, medicines will expire. At the same time, the clock is ticking towards famine.  The people of Gaza are dying… Lift the siege. Open the gates. Let us do our jobs.”

Don’t reinvent the wheel: putting together new “plans” is a distraction from the atrocities + a waste of resources.

The humanitarian community in #Gaza, including @UNRWA, is ready. It has the experience & expertise to reach people in need.

Our aid is piled up outside: food… https://t.co/SsxSsnTLT1

— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) May 17, 2025