The UN's top humanitarian official on
Thursday issued a stark warning over the continuing blockade of
aid into Gaza, calling on Israel to lift restrictions that have
left civilians without food, medical care, and hope.
In a powerful statement on Thursday, Tom Fletcher, the UN
Emergency Relief Coordinator, condemned Israel's decision to halt
humanitarian assistance as a “cruel collective punishment” of the
Palestinian population.
“Two months ago, the Israeli authorities took a deliberate
decision to block all aid to Gaza and halt our efforts to save
survivors of their military offensive,” said Mr Fletcher. “They
have been bracingly honest that this policy is to pressurise
Hamas.”
While reaffirming the urgent need for the release of hostages
taken by Hamas on 7 October 2023 – who “should never have been
taken from their families,” – the UN relief chief stressed that
“international law is unequivocal: As the occupying
power, Israel must allow humanitarian support in.”
“Aid, and the civilian lives it saves, should never be a
bargaining chip,” he added. “Blocking aid kills.”
Mr Fletcher warned that the aid blockade “starves civilians”,
denies them basic medical services, and “strips them of dignity
and hope.”
He underscored the neutrality and impartiality of humanitarian
efforts, adding: “We believe that all civilians are equally
worthy of protection. We remain ready to save as many
lives as we can, despite the risks.”
However, the latest delivery mechanism proposed by Israel, he
said, “does not meet the minimum bar for principled humanitarian
support.”
“To the Israeli authorities, and those who can still reason with
them, we say again: lift this brutal blockade. Let
humanitarians save lives,” he pleaded.
Addressing civilians in Gaza, Mr Fletcher said: “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.”
