Gaza: The UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator has issued a stern warning about Israel's ongoing blockade of aid into Gaza, urging Israel to remove restrictions that have left civilians without essential resources such as food and medical care.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Tom Fletcher, in a press statement on Thursday, condemned Israel's decision to stop humanitarian assistance, describing it as 'cruel collective punishment' against the Palestinian population. Fletcher emphasized that international law mandates Israel, as the occupying power, to permit humanitarian support. He stated, "Aid, and the civilian lives it saves, should never be a bargaining chip. Blocking aid kills."
Fletcher highlighted the severe impact of the aid blockade, noting that it "starves civilians," deprives them of basic medical services, and "strips them of dignity and hope." He reinforced the neutrality and impartiality of humanitarian efforts, asserting that "all civilians are equally worthy of protection" and expressed readiness to save lives despite the risks involved.
The UN relief chief criticized the latest delivery mechanism proposed by Israel, claiming it "does not meet the minimum bar for principled humanitarian support." He appealed to Israeli authorities and influential stakeholders to "lift this brutal blockade" and allow humanitarian efforts to proceed.
Addressing the civilians in Gaza directly, Fletcher expressed deep regret: "No apology can suffice. But I am truly sorry that we are unable to move the international community to prevent this injustice. We won't give up."
