UN Humanitarian Chief Calls for Renewed Ceasefire in Gaza and Aid Blockade Lift
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Synopsis
The UN humanitarian chief has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged Israel to lift the blockade on vital aid supplies following renewed airstrikes. This appeal highlights the dire humanitarian situation faced by civilians in the enclave.
Key Takeaways
- UN calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
- Israel urged to lift the aid blockade.
- Airstrikes have resumed, causing civilian fear.
- Basic supplies, including food and water, are critically low.
- International law must be upheld to protect civilians.
United Nations, March 19 (NationPress) The UN humanitarian chief has called for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza and urged Israel to lift the blockade preventing essential aid and commercial supplies from reaching the region, following the latest deadly airstrikes.
“Our worst fears have come to fruition overnight. Airstrikes have resumed throughout the Gaza Strip,” stated Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, during a video briefing to the Security Council from Brussels.
“New evacuation orders from Israeli forces have once again plunged the people of Gaza into a state of profound fear,” he added.
Fletcher pointed out that the halting of aid and commercial supplies is reversing the progress made during the ceasefire, with vital resources now being rationed, as reported by Xinhua.
Since March 2, Israeli authorities have completely cut off the entry of all life-saving supplies, including food, medicine, fuel, and cooking gas. Furthermore, power has been cut off to the southern Gaza desalination plant, affecting access to clean water for 600,000 individuals.
This comprehensive blockade on life-saving aid, essential goods, and commercial items will have a catastrophic effect on the residents of Gaza, who are reliant on a consistent flow of assistance, Fletcher cautioned.
“We cannot and must not accept a return to pre-ceasefire conditions or the total denial of humanitarian aid,” he stressed. “Civilians must be safeguarded, and their fundamental needs should be fulfilled. International law must be upheld.”
The UN relief chief called for the resumption of aid and commercial supplies to Gaza and urged all parties involved to reinstate the ceasefire.
“It is unconscionable to block food, water, and medicine for those in dire need,” he asserted. “The return to hostilities must come to an end. The suffering of the people in the region must cease.”
Previously, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated that the past 18 months of violence has made it clear that there is no military solution to the Gaza crisis.
“The only viable path forward is a political resolution, in accordance with international law,” Turk remarked.
