“Let in life-saving aid at scale, from all directions,” urged UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher on Wednesday, as he condemned the “horrifying scenes” of Gazans being killed while seeking food aid. His call for multi-directional aid delivery underscores the desperate need to overcome blockades and provide comprehensive relief to the besieged population.
The demand for aid from all directions comes as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US and Israeli-backed group, announced the temporary closure of its facilities following a series of deadly incidents near its distribution centers. This includes the tragic killing of 27 people in southern Gaza on Tuesday, an event currently under Israeli military investigation.
Fletcher unequivocally stated that the civilian deaths are the “outcome of a series of deliberate choices that have systematically deprived two million people of the essentials they need to survive.” He highlighted the overwhelming burden on emergency medical teams and the systemic nature of the crisis.
Echoing UN chief Antonio Guterres, Fletcher demanded immediate independent investigations and accountability. He also called for the opening of “all” crossings into Gaza, the lifting of restrictions on aid, and the implementation of a ceasefire to enable the UN to deliver critical assistance at scale and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.