UN Demands Immediate Humanitarian Aid Access to Gaza
(MENAFN) The United Nations called on Israel Monday to ensure the free flow of essential aid into Gaza through available border crossings to meet the "urgent needs" of the civilian population.
"Civilians must be respected, and they must be protected," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated during a daily briefing, stressing the importance of "full, safe, and sustained humanitarian access in accordance with humanitarian principles."
Citing reports from the World Food Program (WFP), Dujarric revealed that one in five Gazans is suffering from "catastrophic levels of hunger" due to significant barriers hindering humanitarian efforts.
"Given the heavy constraints on bringing in supplies and carrying out humanitarian operations across Gaza, people are going hungry," Dujarric remarked. Large quantities of food are already prepared in the region and ready to reach those in need "if increased access is granted."
Additionally, Dujarric conveyed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' alarm over recent evacuation orders issued by Israeli forces for northern Gaza, "which have once again displaced tens of thousands of people."
"People are being pushed into overcrowded areas where thousands of others are already staying. These spaces lack shelter. They lack water, they lack sewage systems, not to mention medical facilities," Dujarric added.
Fuel Crisis Intensifies Threat to Essential Services
Dujarric also urgently appealed for Israel to lift the fuel ban on Gaza, which is threatening life-saving services such as hospitals, desalination plants, sanitation, and telecommunications.
"If the ban on fuel continues, more of these critical services will shut down soon, and in some areas very soon," he warned.
The spokesperson emphasized the essential role fuel plays in powering community kitchens, which are crucial for feeding Gaza's population, and in enabling the transport of goods and people across the region.
Dujarric further stated that Guterres "condemns" the ongoing civilian casualties resulting from Israeli military actions and "welcomes" ongoing diplomatic efforts toward a lasting ceasefire.
Despite global calls for an immediate ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of over 56,500 Palestinians since the conflict escalated in October 2023.
In a related development, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces allegations of genocide at the International Court of Justice over its actions in the enclave.
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