The Deputy Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, known as UNRWA, has emphasized the pressing necessity for a negotiated settlement in Gaza following the recent collapse of the ceasefire.
Irish aid worker John Whyte noted that conditions within the enclave have continued to deteriorate, leaving “very little hope” for those affected.
During an interview on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he remarked: “Under such circumstances, it’s understandable to question if any good can arise from all of this.”
“Nonetheless, we at UNRWA are committed to providing hope to these individuals where hope is scarce, and we will do everything within our capacity.”
“At the same time, there are 2.1 million people depending on us and the international humanitarian system for support during what is undoubtedly their darkest hour.”
“They feel isolated in the world, sensing that no one is paying attention, despite the situation being almost livestreamed daily; nothing seems to have changed.”
“Thus, any form of political dialogue or discussion that facilitates progress toward a negotiated settlement is something we urgently need.”
In January, Israeli legislation was enacted to prohibit UNRWA’s operations on Israeli territory, creating significant uncertainty regarding the organization’s future capabilities.
However, Mr. Whyte affirmed that UNRWA will persist in delivering its services as long as possible.
He stated: “UNRWA remains the agency that individuals turn to for relief, food, education, health services, and all necessary supports.”
“Although we face increasing obstacles to fulfilling our mission, we still possess a substantial mandate from the international community.”
“The UN Secretary-General has consistently reinforced the significance of UNRWA, asserting that it cannot be replaced.”
“We are committed to providing our services for as long as we are able.”
“People still rely on us; when they see UNRWA, it offers them a sense of safety, and we have a responsibility to continue supporting them as long as we can.”
“During the ceasefire, we witnessed what could be accomplished—literally thousands of trucks delivered aid, with over 4,000 arriving weekly.
He added: “For UNRWA, our role is solely to provide operational support on the ground. Any action that advances the process toward dialogue, peace, and agreement—along with the release of hostages, prisoners, the recovery of remains, and the resumption of essential supplies to all regions of Gaza—is crucial.
“We proved during the ceasefire what could be achieved—thousands of trucks delivered supplies, over 4,000 on a weekly basis.”
“This level of support can be easily reinstated once there is a commitment to dialogue and a stable peace, something that everyone desires except for a few key actors pursuing a different agenda.”
Six weeks ago, Israel entirely halted all supplies to Gaza residents, and food that was stockpiled during the ceasefire at the beginning of the year has nearly been exhausted.
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Nonetheless, thousands of aid trucks remain positioned outside Gaza, prepared to deliver the essential food and supplies.
Mr. Whyte expressed: “This conflict has persisted for the past 18 months, and one might assume that as humanitarian workers, we would have witnessed everything; however, since the ceasefire collapsed, we have observed unprecedented levels of destruction, aggression, loss of life, and attacks on nearly every aspect of life in Gaza.”
“Despite our best efforts to convey this crisis to the wider world, we see conditions continuing to worsen.”
“The blockade has lasted over a month, preventing any aid from entering Gaza, despite thousands of trucks waiting outside, ready to deliver lifesaving food, medicine, and other necessities that are not being allowed in.”
Additional reporting: Reuters
