The UN humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, on Wednesday delivered a scathing assessment of the situation in Gaza, stating that the “horrifying scenes” of Gazans being killed while seeking food aid are the “outcome of a series of deliberate choices that have systematically deprived two million people of the essentials they need to survive.” His strong words point to a calculated strategy rather than accidental casualties.
This condemnation comes as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US and Israeli-backed group, announced the temporary closure of its facilities following a string of deadly incidents near its distribution centers. This includes the tragic killing of 27 people in southern Gaza on Tuesday, an event currently under Israeli military investigation. The Israeli army has also declared roads to these centers “combat zones.”
Fletcher highlighted the immense pressure on emergency medical teams treating hundreds of trauma cases, with dozens declared dead after Israeli forces reportedly opened fire. He emphasized that these are “not isolated incidents” and that “perpetrators must be held accountable,” underscoring the UN’s demand for justice.
The UN and major aid groups have expressed reservations about cooperating with the GHF, fearing its alignment with Israeli military objectives. Fletcher reiterated the UN’s capacity and readiness to deliver aid, urging for the opening of all crossings, the lifting of restrictions on aid volume and type, and the implementation of a ceasefire to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
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