UN welcomes Israel's temporary lifting of Gaza aid blockade

IANS May 20, 2025 235 views

The United Nations has cautiously welcomed Israel's temporary lifting of the Gaza aid blockade, highlighting significant concerns about the minimal humanitarian assistance being allowed. UN under-secretary-general Tom Fletcher emphasized that the current aid volume is woefully inadequate for addressing the urgent needs of Gaza's population. Fletcher stressed the critical importance of unimpeded humanitarian access and minimizing potential aid distribution risks. Despite challenges, UN humanitarian workers remain committed to delivering essential support to those in desperate need.

"It is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed" - Tom Fletcher, UN Official
United Nations, May 20: The UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, welcomed the temporary lifting of an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza by Israel, but cautioned that the amount of aid into Gaza is too little.

Key Points

1

UN confirms limited aid trucks entering Gaza through Kerem Shalom

2

Humanitarian concerns over insufficient relief supplies

3

Fletcher warns about potential aid distribution challenges

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Risk of looting and security threats remain high

"It is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed," said Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs. "Significantly more aid must be allowed into Gaza, starting Tuesday morning."

He said the United Nations was assured the operation would be through existing, proven mechanisms that should remain in place, Xinhua news agency reported.

"I am grateful for that reassurance, and Israel's agreement to humanitarian notification measures that reduce the immense security threats of the operation," he said. "I am determined that our aid reach those in greatest need, and that the risk of theft by Hamas or other armed groups is minimised."

Israel in the past has criticized the UN distribution operation in Gaza, saying it allows Hamas to take control of some aid for its use, which the United Nations denies while admitting looting does occur, whether by armed men or hungry civilians.

"To reduce looting, there must be a regular flow of aid, and humanitarians must be permitted to use multiple routes," Fletcher said of aid distribution in Gaza.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported by the United States and approved by Israel, reportedly plans to take over aid distribution, blocking the UN operation.

This prompted Fletcher to point out that the world body's operation is the only way to supply Gazans: "The UN has a clear, principled and practical plan to save lives at scale."

Pointing out the risk aid workers face in resuming aid distribution during a spike in Israel's military offensive, the relief chief said that with bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant.

"It is our job to do everything we can to deliver, even against these odds," he said. "I am grateful to our humanitarian colleagues for their immense courage and dedication. They are the best of humanity."

Fletcher said the limited quantities of aid Israel is allowing into Gaza are no substitute for unimpeded access to civilians in dire need.

He said an initial nine truckloads of aid were allowed to pass from Israel into a Gaza checkpoint at the Kerem Shalom crossing.

However, at a regular briefing, Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters that by nightfall in Gaza, the truck's payload had not been cleared for distribution by UN aid workers.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
While any aid to Gaza is welcome, we must be cautious about Hamas diverting supplies. India has seen how terror groups misuse humanitarian aid in our own neighborhood. The UN must ensure strict monitoring mechanisms. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
As someone who has seen refugee crises in South Asia, I appreciate the UN's efforts. But why isn't there similar urgency for humanitarian crises in our region? Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh deserve equal attention.
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Amit S.
Israel's security concerns are valid, but starving civilians can't be the solution. There must be a middle path - like how India balances humanitarian aid with security in Kashmir. The UN should learn from such examples.
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Neha T.
The West always acts quickly for Middle East crises but ignores similar suffering elsewhere. Where was this urgency during Sri Lanka's civil war? Or for Yemen? Selective humanitarianism is hypocrisy. 😔
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Sanjay V.
India should offer its expertise in managing large-scale aid distribution. Our experience with disaster relief in cyclones and floods could be valuable here. We've shown how to maintain security while helping civilians.
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Kavita R.
The article mentions looting by hungry civilians - this breaks my heart. No mother should have to steal food for her children. The international community must find a way to help without empowering militants. Such a complex situation.
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Vikram J.
While the UN is doing important work, they must be more transparent about aid diversion. We've seen in Afghanistan how aid can fuel conflict. Strong verification systems are needed -

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Tags:
Gaza Aid Crisis United Nations Israel Tom Fletcher Humanitarian Relief Gaza Blockade