**Israel Accused of Weaponizing Humanitarian Aid**
The head of UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, has spoken out against Israel’s blockade on goods and electricity to Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini warned that a new hunger crisis is looming if aid supplies are not resumed.
Israel stopped all aid entry at the start of the month after accusing Hamas of rejecting a US proposal to extend phase one of the Gaza ceasefire. The UK and Germany have condemned Israel’s decision to cut off electricity over the weekend.
**Aid Supplies Cut Off**
Aid supplies had increased tenfold when the truce started, alleviating food shortages and restoring certain health services. However, these supplies have now been cut off, and the electricity to a large water desalination facility has been switched off.
The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that this would significantly reduce the availability and quality of drinking water in Gaza. The facility will now run on backup generators, reducing its water production capacity.
**Consequences of Israel’s Decision**
Mr Lazzarini criticized Israel for its decision to cut off electricity and aid, saying that the impact on the population would be greater. He warned that the situation is deteriorating rapidly and that there is a risk of returning to the hunger crisis experienced in Gaza months ago.
Israel has banned UNRWA after claiming that some of its staff supports Hamas, and says that other aid agencies should step up. However, they are also being blocked from Gaza.
**Negotiations on Ceasefire Extension**
Israeli negotiators are due to meet in Qatar for discussions on the extension of the ceasefire in Gaza. Israel wants Hamas to accept an extension to the first phase of its ceasefire, while Hamas wants to begin negotiations on the second phase, which would include the release of all remaining hostages and an end to the war.