UN official warns of famine in Gaza, calls for immediate ceasefire

Unrwa Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has described Gaza’s famine as the “last calamity” hitting the besieged territory, calling the situation “Hell in all shapes.”

“‘Never Again’ has deliberately become again. This will haunt us. Denial is the most obscene expression of dehumanisation,” Lazzarini wrote on X, invoking a phrase strongly linked to Holocaust remembrance.

He urged the Israeli government to “stop promoting a different narrative” and allow aid organisations access to the enclave, as well as enable foreign journalists to report from Gaza.

“Every hour counts. Open the gates. Ceasefire now,” Lazzarini added, warning of the urgent humanitarian toll on civilians trapped under Israel’s blockade.

#famine is the last calamity hitting the people of #Gaza

Hell in all shapes.

“Never Again” has deliberately become again.

This will haunt us.

Denial is the most obscene expression of dehumanization.

It’s time for the Government of Israel to stop promoting a different…

— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) August 24, 2025