Tom Fletcher, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, emphasized on X the urgent need for rapid, safe, and unimpeded access to supplies for starving civilians in Gaza, and criticized the wasting of time on alternative aid delivery models.
The UN has clearly stated its opposition to the alternative plans, raising concerns about impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
“We have the personnel. We have the distribution networks in place. The communities trust us. And the aid is ready -160,000 pallets of it- waiting to be deployed. It’s time to act,” said Fletcher on X.
Regarding the alternative model, he urged, “let’s not waste precious time” and highlighted that the UN already has a verified and effective plan in operation.
Israel suspended the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the end of the initial phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. It recommenced attacks on Gaza on March 18th, which have resulted in the deaths of 3,131 Palestinians to date.
According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), all 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza are at risk of famine, with one in five facing severe starvation.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has introduced a different aid plan intending to assist approximately 1.2 million people — roughly 60 percent of Gaza’s population — through four distribution centers within the territory.
The operation would be overseen by a new private entity, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, with security provided by U.S. contractors, and the Israeli military guarding the perimeter.
