UN aid coordinator Tom Fletcher issued a strong call on Thursday for Israel to end its blockade of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which has been in place for nearly two months. The statement comes amid growing international concern about the humanitarian situation in the region.
Fletcher emphasized that while the release of hostages is necessary, this cannot justify preventing essential supplies from reaching civilians. “Yes, the hostages must be released, now. They should never have been taken from their families,” Fletcher stated during his address.
He went on to clarify the legal position regarding humanitarian access: “But international law is unequivocal: As the occupying power, Israel must allow humanitarian support in.”
Humanitarian Aid Not a Negotiation Tool
A key point in Fletcher’s statement was his insistence that humanitarian assistance should never be used as leverage in conflict situations. “Aid should never be a bargaining chip,” he declared, highlighting a fundamental principle of international humanitarian law.
The UN coordinator warned about the severe consequences of the ongoing blockade, stating plainly that “Blocking aid starves civilians.” This direct language reflects growing frustration among international organizations about access restrictions to Gaza.
The blockade has prevented food, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies from reaching the population, creating what humanitarian organizations have described as a critical situation for Gaza residents.
Legal and Humanitarian Framework
Fletcher’s reference to Israel as “the occupying power” frames the situation within specific legal obligations under international humanitarian law. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, occupying powers have clear responsibilities to ensure the welfare of civilian populations under their control.
These obligations include:
- Ensuring adequate food and medical supplies reach the population
- Maintaining medical services and public health
- Allowing humanitarian organizations access to carry out their work
The UN has repeatedly stressed that these obligations exist regardless of security concerns, though they must be balanced with legitimate security measures.
Regional Impact and Response
The blockade has drawn criticism from numerous international bodies and human rights organizations. Several countries have called for immediate humanitarian corridors to be established to allow aid to flow into Gaza.
Humanitarian workers report that hospitals in Gaza are running out of essential supplies, while food insecurity is rising sharply among the population. Water and sanitation systems have also been affected by the restrictions.
Fletcher’s statement represents one of the most direct calls from a senior UN official for immediate action to address the situation. It comes after weeks of negotiations that have failed to produce a sustainable solution for aid delivery.
The UN Security Council has discussed the matter multiple times in recent weeks, though consensus on a resolution has proven difficult to achieve due to political divisions among member states.
As the situation continues, humanitarian organizations warn that without a swift resolution to allow aid access, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will deepen, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the civilian population caught in the conflict.
