In an address to the Security Council, UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher warned that Gaza’s 2.1 million residents are enduring famine-like conditions after a ten-week aid blockade. He condemned the ongoing displacement of civilians, destruction of hospitals, and systematic denial of humanitarian access by Israel, urging immediate global intervention to prevent genocide. Fletcher described Israel’s alternative aid delivery proposal as a ‘cynical sideshow, a deliberate distraction, and a fig leaf for further violence and displacement’. He said that humanitarian agencies have the capability and verification systems to deliver aid responsibly, but are being obstructed. While the International Court of Justice reviews genocide allegations, Fletcher warned such action may come too late. He appealed to Israel and Hamas: ‘Will you act - decisively - to prevent genocide and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law? Or will you say instead, “we did all we could?”’
Gaza: UN relief chief describes horrendous conditions
Written by David Fletcher 15 May 2025
Additional Info
- Pray: for Mr Fletcher’s appeal to be heard. Pray that compassion will overcome politics, and for justice for Gaza’s afflicted. (Proverbs 24:11)
- More: news.un.org/en/story/2025/05/1163206
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