Amidst a spiraling humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher on Wednesday reiterated the call for the “Release the hostages,” while condemning the “horrifying scenes” of Gazans being killed while seeking food aid. His comprehensive demands highlight the interconnectedness of various aspects of the conflict and their impact on civilian suffering.
The call for hostage release comes as a US and Israeli-backed aid group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), announced the temporary closure of its facilities due to a string 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 immense 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 further called for the opening of “all” crossings into Gaza, the lifting of restrictions on aid, and the implementation of a ceasefire, emphasizing the UN’s capacity and readiness to deliver aid if given the opportunity.