UN Welcomes Support to Resume Aid Work in War-Torn Gaza

Palestinians in Gaza continue to lack access to basic humanitarian needs. — UNRWA/Louise Wateridge

Amid yet another reported deadly attack on a school sheltering displaced families, the United Nations' top humanitarian official, Tom Fletcher, has welcomed growing global support for the resumption of lifesaving aid operations by established UN agencies in Gaza.

“We value the support of more and more Member States who are joining our call: Let us work,” Fletcher said on Wednesday, as the US- and Israeli-backed aid hub in southern Gaza — operating independently of the UN — was suspended.

Fletcher made the remarks while calling out the escalating violence and restrictions that continue to hinder aid delivery in the war-ravaged enclave.

“The world is watching, day after day, horrifying scenes of Palestinians being shot, wounded or killed in Gaza while simply trying to eat,” he said.

The statement came ahead of a UN Security Council session aimed at adopting a new resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages taken during the Hamas-led attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023.

The draft resolution has been initiated by the ten non-permanent members of the Council. However, its adoption will depend on support from the five permanent members — the US, UK, France, China, and Russia — any of whom can veto the proposal.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, local authorities reported that at least 12 civilians, including children, were killed on Wednesday in an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in the southern city of Khan Younis.

Medical teams have been overwhelmed. “We have treated hundreds of trauma cases in the past few days,” Fletcher said, citing reports of desperate Palestinians being fired upon while scrambling for food at aid distribution points.

“Yesterday alone, dozens were declared dead at hospitals after Israeli forces said they had opened fire,” he noted.

Fletcher renewed his appeal for unfettered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.

“Open the crossings – all of them. Let in lifesaving aid at scale, from all directions,” he urged. “Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. Ensure our convoys aren’t held up by delays and denials.”

As the humanitarian crisis deepens and infrastructure collapses under sustained bombardment, the UN and its agencies have repeatedly called for the protection of civilians and for aid workers to be allowed to do their jobs without obstruction or threat.