UN Aid Chief Critiques Israel's Gaza Aid Strategy
Tom Fletcher describes the Israeli plan as detrimental to civilian needs amid ongoing humanitarian crisis.
At a session of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher characterized Israel's approach to aid distribution in the Gaza Strip as a "cynical sideshow" that distracts from the urgent humanitarian crisis in the region.
Fletcher stated that no food, medicine, water, or tents have entered Gaza for over ten weeks, further exacerbating the plight of civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.
Fletcher emphasized the potential of UN agencies to deliver aid to those in need, affirming that established mechanisms exist to ensure that assistance reaches civilians and is not diverted to Hamas.
However, he criticized the Israeli government for denying humanitarian access, implying a prioritization of military objectives over civilian welfare.
The last significant aid entry into Gaza was recorded on March 2. Israeli authorities have maintained that humanitarian supplies will not be permitted until all hostages taken by Hamas are released.
The UN World Food Programme reported at the end of last month that its food stocks in Gaza had been depleted, catalyzing calls from international figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, for Israel to permit the delivery of essential supplies.
Fletcher described the discussions held by the UN with Israeli officials regarding the proposed aid distribution model, indicating that attempts to negotiate a workable solution have been ongoing.
He pointed out that any effective aid delivery must include the capability to reach all Palestinians in need, rather than being restricted to specific areas.
Fletcher described the Israeli-designed distribution model as problematic, stating it leads to further displacement and compromises the safety of thousands.
He criticized the model for its conditional nature, suggesting that it leverages humanitarian needs for political and military strategies, equating the plight of civilians to bargaining chips.
The Israeli military coordination agency, COGAT, engaged with UN agencies and international aid groups in early April to propose a structured mechanism for monitoring and entry of aid.
COGAT outlined that the proposed system aims to enhance oversight and ensure that assistance effectively reaches the civilian population, preventing resources from being misappropriated by Hamas.
The conflict in Gaza escalated significantly on October 7, 2023, when Hamas executed an attack resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals in southern Israel and the abduction of around 250 hostages.
The ongoing violence has led to severe casualties in Gaza, with local health authorities reporting over 52,700 Palestinian fatalities since the onset of hostilities.
Fletcher stated that no food, medicine, water, or tents have entered Gaza for over ten weeks, further exacerbating the plight of civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.
Fletcher emphasized the potential of UN agencies to deliver aid to those in need, affirming that established mechanisms exist to ensure that assistance reaches civilians and is not diverted to Hamas.
However, he criticized the Israeli government for denying humanitarian access, implying a prioritization of military objectives over civilian welfare.
The last significant aid entry into Gaza was recorded on March 2. Israeli authorities have maintained that humanitarian supplies will not be permitted until all hostages taken by Hamas are released.
The UN World Food Programme reported at the end of last month that its food stocks in Gaza had been depleted, catalyzing calls from international figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, for Israel to permit the delivery of essential supplies.
Fletcher described the discussions held by the UN with Israeli officials regarding the proposed aid distribution model, indicating that attempts to negotiate a workable solution have been ongoing.
He pointed out that any effective aid delivery must include the capability to reach all Palestinians in need, rather than being restricted to specific areas.
Fletcher described the Israeli-designed distribution model as problematic, stating it leads to further displacement and compromises the safety of thousands.
He criticized the model for its conditional nature, suggesting that it leverages humanitarian needs for political and military strategies, equating the plight of civilians to bargaining chips.
The Israeli military coordination agency, COGAT, engaged with UN agencies and international aid groups in early April to propose a structured mechanism for monitoring and entry of aid.
COGAT outlined that the proposed system aims to enhance oversight and ensure that assistance effectively reaches the civilian population, preventing resources from being misappropriated by Hamas.
The conflict in Gaza escalated significantly on October 7, 2023, when Hamas executed an attack resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals in southern Israel and the abduction of around 250 hostages.
The ongoing violence has led to severe casualties in Gaza, with local health authorities reporting over 52,700 Palestinian fatalities since the onset of hostilities.
