Unrwa chief warns airdropping aid into Gaza can endanger civilians

The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, has criticised the use of airdropped aid in Gaza, warning it risks killing civilians seeking relief.

"Airdrops will not reverse the deepening starvation. They are expensive, inefficient & can even kill starving civilians. It is a distraction & screensmoke," he wrote in a post on X. 

Lazzarini called for an end to the siege on Gaza to allow UN aid to reach Palestinians by land.

"At UNRWA, we have the equivalent of 6,000 trucks in Jordan & Egypt waiting for the green light to get into Gaza. Driving aid through is much easier, more effective, faster, cheaper & safer. It’s more dignified for the people of #Gaza," he added.