Geneva, United Nations agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), have urgently called for a fundamental change in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza to prevent the looming threat of famine and deadly disease outbreaks.
According to UNICEF, the heads of these agencies have highlighted the critical need for new entry routes, increased border checks for trucks, fewer restrictions on the movement of humanitarian workers, and safety guarantees for those accessing and distributing aid in Gaza. The entire population of Gaza, unable to produce or import food, relies heavily on aid for survival, yet the aid delivered so far is insufficient to prevent a dire combination of hunger, malnutrition, and disease.
The situation is exacerbated by the closure of all but two southern border crossings and the complex vetting process for trucks entering Gaza. The constant bombardment and shifting battle fronts further endanger the lives of Gazans and humanitarian personnel.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that lives are at risk every hour aid is delayed. Despite difficulties, WFP has been providing food assistance daily since October 7 and reached over 900,000 people in December. The latest Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Phase Classification report warns that all 2.2 million people in Gaza face crisis levels of acute food insecurity, with widespread meal skipping and hunger.
UNICEF has reported that children in southern Gaza are accessing significantly less water than required for survival. Despite efforts to provide drinking water and medical supplies to over 1.3 million people, more resources are desperately needed. Executive Director Catherine Russell stressed the immediate need for medical treatment, clean water, and sanitation services for children and families.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the dire need for food, water, medicine, and healthcare, warning that famine will exacerbate the already catastrophic situation. WHO has supported Gaza’s health system through medical supplies, coordination of emergency medical teams, and disease surveillance.
Phillip Lazzarini, Commissioner General for the UN Palestine Refugee Agency (UNRWA), pointed out that the current aid flow is insufficient compared to the humanitarian needs. He emphasized that commercial supplies are essential to reopen markets and provide alternative food accessibility.
The agency heads collectively call for lifting barriers and restrictions on aid delivery within Gaza and for commercial traffic to resume. They also reiterate the need for a humanitarian ceasefire to enable a significant, multi-agency humanitarian operation.
Islamabad, President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has categorically rejected the protest lodged by the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the visit of the British High Commissioner appointed by India to Pakistan in Mirpur. The AJK President termed the protest as unjustified and absurd.
According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the objection raised by India is baseless since ambassadors and diplomats from various countries have historically visited Azad Kashmir. He highlighted that India had similarly facilitated visits to Occupied Kashmir, including hosting a conference with 20 nations. President Chaudhry emphasized that India’s claim of Kashmir being an integral part of its territory is out of context, as Kashmir is recognized internationally as a disputed territory, with clear United Nations resolutions affirming its status.
President Chaudhry asserted that the Kashmiri people would never accept India’s oppressive occupation, expressing confidence that Occupied Kashmir would soon be liberated from Indian rule. He condemned India’s actions since the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, which he claimed have led to a surge in human rights violations and brutality in Occupied Kashmir.
The AJK President detailed the alarming situation in Occupied Kashmir, including illegal arrests, the use of pellet guns against women and children, and the detention of Hurriyat leaders. He called on the international community to take notice of these alleged human rights violations and to intervene to stop India’s atrocities in the region.
President Chaudhry’s statement reflects the ongoing tensions and complex geopolitical situation surrounding the Kashmir issue. He urged the international community to acknowledge the gravity of the situation in Occupied Kashmir and to act in support of the Kashmiri people’s rights and aspirations.
This development underscores the deep-seated dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, a conflict that has historical roots and continues to affect regional stability and the lives of millions in the area.