The United Nations’ emergency relief coordinator urged Israel to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it “cruel collective punishment.” Tom Fletcher stressed that blocking aid violates international law and endangers civilian lives.
Thousands of Palestinians breached a UN aid facility in Gaza, seizing medicine and damaging vehicles but sparing staff. This chaos highlights escalating desperation as Israel blocks aid since March’s ceasefire collapse. Israel’s blockade, paired with renewed military action, has triggered Gaza’s worst humanitarian crisis in nearly two years. Over 3,000 aid trucks remain stranded at borders, unable to reach 1 million vulnerable children.
UN Warns Against Using Aid as a Bargaining Chip
Fletcher emphasized, “Aid should never be a bargaining chip,” condemning Israel’s refusal to allow supplies. Blocking aid starves civilians, destroys medical systems, and inflicts “cruel collective punishment,” he stated. Furthermore, the UK Joined Calls for Aid Access and Medical Support. The UK Foreign Office demanded Israel allow aid entry, protect medical workers, and let the sick leave Gaza. It warned Gaza’s healthcare system faces collapse amid severe shortages of food, water, and medicine.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported 660,000 children lack education due to war. It urged Israel to reopen border crossings and lift the siege immediately to prevent further catastrophe.
Additionally, Gaza hospitals face dire shortages as malnutrition rates soar. Over 50% of newborns now weigh dangerously low at birth, reflecting collapsing health services and scarce humanitarian supplies.
Israel Proposes Controversial Aid Distribution Plan
Israel’s plan to control aid distribution via private companies fails to meet humanitarian standards, UN officials say. Fletcher called it inadequate for protecting civilian lives amid escalating violence.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports 52,400 deaths since October, mostly women and children. Israel’s military confirmed 850 soldier fatalities, underscoring the conflict’s devastating human cost.
With food stockpiles exhausted and 3,000 aid trucks stalled, the UN urges global intervention. “The world must act now to save Gaza’s children,” Fletcher concluded, as famine looms and hope fades.
