The United Nations announced on Wednesday its intention to significantly increase humanitarian aid to Gaza following a recently established ceasefire. The organization emphasized the need to eliminate significant security and political barriers to ensure that assistance reaches all Palestinians who are in urgent need.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres referred to the ceasefire agreement as “a critical first step” and highlighted the necessity of alleviating the severe suffering inflicted by the conflict that erupted after Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. “The humanitarian situation is at catastrophic levels,” Guterres stated. “We will do everything possible on our end, while recognizing the serious challenges and constraints ahead.”
U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher informed that aid organizations have been preparing supplies in anticipation of the ceasefire, with plans to expand the distribution of essential goods including food and medical supplies.
According to Catherine Russell, the executive director of UNICEF, less than half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are operational, water production is only at 25% capacity, 95% of school structures have either been damaged or destroyed, and nearly all of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents are experiencing significant food insecurity.
Sigrid Kaag, the U.N.’s humanitarian representative for Gaza, has recently engaged with high-ranking officials from both Israeli and Palestinian sides to strategize on improving aid delivery following the ceasefire, as reported by U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric. Kaag’s discussions aimed to tackle potential challenges that may persist even after the ceasefire, such as armed groups looting aid convoys, Israeli access restrictions, damaged roads, unexploded ordnance, fuel shortages, and a lack of telecommunications infrastructure.
Dujarric cited that “Israeli authorities continue to prevent U.N.-led initiatives from reaching individuals who require crucial assistance.” In northern Gaza, where the latest Israeli military operations have occurred, the U.N. has faced obstacles in delivering food supplies since December 20.
Besides the prevailing lawlessness, the United Nations confronts significant political challenges. Specifically, its humanitarian activities in Gaza rely on the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA. However, Israel’s parliament recently passed a law prohibiting UNRWA’s operations within Palestinian territories, with the legislation set to take effect on January 28.
Guterres warned that if UNRWA is barred from functioning, Israel, as the occupying authority in the Palestinian areas, must assume responsibility for providing humanitarian support.
U.N. officials stress the crucial need for the complete implementation of the ceasefire deal and uninterrupted aid flow. Russell stated, “In light of the collapse of essential services throughout Gaza, urgent action is necessary to save lives and help children recover.”
Guterres anticipates that other humanitarian organizations, the private sector, and governmental initiatives will bolster U.N. efforts. David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee, emphasized the necessity for aid groups to receive unrestricted access and adequate funding to expedite assistance to Gaza, which has suffered from limited access to food, clean water, and medical care for 15 months. He declared, “The needs are immense and require immediate action.”
Jan Egeland, a former U.N. humanitarian chief and current head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, urged Israel to promptly lift all restrictions on humanitarian aid operations to prevent famine-like conditions and guarantee access to shelter, food, and medical care for all those in need. He called upon the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other nations to ensure that Israel maintains open crossings to allow a sustained influx of assistance that can alleviate further suffering.
U.S. President Joe Biden remarked in a statement from Washington that, “The surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza will begin, allowing innocent people to gain greater access to these vital supplies.”