UNRWA Criticizes Refusal to Allow "Dual-use" Items into Gaza

The head of UNRWA, the agency for Palestinian refugees, has criticized the refusal to allow "dual-use" items into Gaza, highlighting the dire humanitarian emergency still unfolding in the area.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, tweeted that a truck loaded with aid was recently turned back because it contained scissors used in children’s medical kits.

Medical scissors, along with a long list of other basic and lifesaving items such as anaesthetics, oxygen cylinders, solar lights, ventilators, water cleaning tablets, cancer medicines, and maternity kits, are classified as "for dual use" by Israeli authorities.

Lazzarini emphasized that the clearance and delivery of humanitarian supplies and critical items need to be facilitated and accelerated to help the two million people living in Gaza. Their lives depend on it, and there is no time to waste.