By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher on Thursday issued a warning over the continuing blockade of aid into Gaza, called on Israel to lift restrictions that have left civilians without food, medical care, and hope.
Tom Fletcher in a strong statement 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 pressurize Hamas.”
He reaffirmed the urgent need for the release of hostages taken by Hamas on 7 October 2023 who “should never have been taken from their families,” he 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.”
The official noted that 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.
Mr. Fletcher on civilian situation in Gaza stated “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.”
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