UN humanitarian chief blasts Israel for ‘deliberately’ blocking aid to Gaza
The United Nations humanitarian chief has strongly condemned Israel for “deliberately” blocking critical humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, further exacerbating the already dire situation in the region. The statement, made on Monday, comes as international calls for the free flow of humanitarian assistance to Gaza intensify amid ongoing violence and the worsening humanitarian crisis.
The UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, described the situation in Gaza as “heart-wrenching” and urged Israel to allow unhindered access for aid workers and supplies to enter the territory. He noted that the denial of aid not only violates international law but also worsens the suffering of innocent civilians trapped in the conflict zone.
Gaza has been under a severe blockade for years, but the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Palestinian militants has led to an even more critical shortage of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. Griffiths highlighted that over 2 million people in Gaza are facing extreme hardships, with many unable to access basic necessities such as water, food, and healthcare.
The UN chief called on Israel and the international community to prioritize humanitarian aid and ensure that lifesaving supplies reach the people of Gaza, particularly those in need of medical attention. He also expressed concern about the safety of aid workers, who have faced increased risks in delivering assistance due to the ongoing violence.
Israel, however, has defended its actions, arguing that it is necessary to screen aid shipments to prevent weapons or other materials from being smuggled into Gaza. The Israeli government has emphasized that it has allowed some aid to enter the region, but Griffiths and other humanitarian organizations insist that the flow of aid remains insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs.
The ongoing blockade and restrictions on the movement of people and goods have sparked widespread criticism from human rights organizations, who have accused Israel of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The UN has called for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow for the safe delivery of aid to the people of Gaza, but negotiations on such a ceasefire have yet to make significant progress.
As the crisis in Gaza deepens, global leaders, including the UN and human rights organizations, continue to press for greater access to humanitarian aid. The situation remains a major international concern, with no immediate resolution in sight.
