UN: ‘deliberate choices’ behind Gaza’s humanitarian collapse
The United Nations’ top humanitarian official issued a stark condemnation on 4th June, describing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the outcome of “deliberate choices” that have systematically deprived civilians of the basic means to survive. His remarks follow a spate of deadly incidents near aid distribution centres in the war-ravaged enclave.
According to Asharq Al-Awsat, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said, “The world is watching, day after day, horrifying scenes of Palestinians being shot, wounded or killed in Gaza while simply trying to eat.”
His statement came amid growing international outrage following the deaths of 27 Palestinians on 3rd June. The victims were killed near a food aid site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in southern Gaza, where Israeli troops reportedly opened fire. The Israeli military has said the incident is under investigation.
“Emergency medical teams have confirmed treating hundreds of trauma cases. Yesterday alone, dozens were declared dead at hospitals after Israeli forces said they had opened fire,” Fletcher stated. “This is the outcome of a series of deliberate choices that have systematically deprived two million people of the essentials they need to survive.”
He echoed UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ demand for immediate and independent investigations, stressing that such attacks on civilians seeking aid “were not isolated incidents” and that “the perpetrators must be held accountable.” Fletcher added: “No-one should have to risk their life to feed their children.”
The situation on the ground has further deteriorated after the GHF – a U.S.- and Israeli-backed entity – announced on 4th June the temporary suspension of its operations across the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army simultaneously declared that roads leading to aid distribution points were to be considered “combat zones.”
The GHF, which began operating only a week ago, has faced criticism and skepticism from the UN and major international aid organisations, which have refused to cooperate with it over concerns that it primarily serves Israeli military interests.
Meanwhile, the UN has denounced the limited volume of humanitarian aid currently permitted into Gaza. Following Israel’s partial easing of a two-month complete blockade, UN officials characterised the inflow of supplies as merely a “trickle.”
“We must be allowed to do our jobs: we have the teams, the plan, the supplies and the experience,” said Fletcher. “Open the crossings — all of them. Let in life-saving aid at scale, from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in.
“Ensure our convoys aren’t held up by delays and denials. Release the hostages. Implement the ceasefire.”
The UN’s urgent plea underscores the intensifying humanitarian emergency in Gaza, where over two million people remain in desperate need of food, medical care, and protection amid relentless violence and siege conditions.
Asharq Al-Awsat/ Maghrebi.org
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