Ensure Humanitarian Aid

Amidst the ongoing Hamas-Israel war, discussions on human rights have come to the forefront. The international law strictly disapproves any kind of violence against civilians during a war. However, the situation is far from normal in the warzone. What is more disheartening is the crippling of an agency of the United Nations (UN) in this whole situation. 

The United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) is one of the UN agencies, established in 1949. The organisation mainly focuses on providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring other services which include health care, basic education, sanitation and employment to the needy Palestinians. However, after Hamas’s attack on Israel, more than a year ago, the agency’s position has changed drastically. Israel had blamed UNRWA staffers for being part of the October 7 attack by Hamas. Later on, the UN's investigation found that nine of 19 staff members may have been involved. Following that, Israel has continued making efforts to turn UNRWA dysfunctional. 

On 28th of October last year, the Israeli parliament passed two bills, preventing the agency from operating in Israel and occupied Palestinian territory. The existing laws also prevent Israeli officials from interacting with the UNRWA staff. After a 90-day period, the agency will not be in operation there. Likewise, Israel has also informed the UN Secretary-General that it would withdraw from a 1967 agreement, blocking pathways for any cooperation. 

The war has proved to be deadly when it comes to human casualties. Reports have shown that more than 45,000 people from Palestine and Israel have lost their lives to the war as of the first week of November this year. Of the total figures, Palestinians accounted for nearly 43,500.  

And this week, it has been reported that 100 trucks carrying aid to Gaza were hijacked and looted by armed men. The UNRWA has stated that in the process, its drivers had been shot and most of the trucks had been lost and several got damaged severely. This has caused food prices to rise and has further exacerbated food insecurity in the region. The allegations had also caused the agency to lose some of its donors, further disabling it. 

The Geneva Convention, 1949 clearly mentions that objects that are indispensable to the survival of the civilian population have to be protected. The objects include food-stuffs, medical supplies, among others, needed by the civilians. With the lessened activity of the UNRWA, people in Gaza are facing severe food shortage issues. This is bound to exacerbate the situation there with Israel’s new move. And that will severely affect the Gazan population in the coming days. 

In situations of war and destitution, international organisations like the UN have a crucial role to play. They are required to reach out directly to the affected population and provide necessary assistance. However, it becomes incapacitated when countries do not make effort to ensure its smooth functioning. Nations must not remain indifferent to this humanitarian crisis, and as members of the UN, Israel and other countries must oblige to maintaining peace and security and protecting the lives of the people. Israel must review its steps on a humanitarian ground.  It cannot disregard human lives and dignity in the name of pointless vengeance. This matter is a grave violation of human rights and, if not controlled can set bad precedents. Even other countries involved in wars and conflicts may act erratically and may not comply with the principles of international law, when in war.