UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has warned that humanitarian and medical aid stockpiled on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing has been barred from entering Gaza by Israel for over two months, putting the supplies at risk of spoilage.

In a statement issued today, Lazzarini said, “The clock is ticking towards famine and the people of Gaza are dying,” stressing the urgent need to lift the blockade and open the crossings to allow humanitarian aid to enter.

He added, “We are calling for permission to carry out our humanitarian mission,” noting that UN humanitarian teams inside Gaza are fully prepared and possess the expertise required to reach those in need.