The United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher issued a strong appeal today for the protection of civilians in Gaza and unimpeded humanitarian access, warning that “aid, and the civilian lives it saves, should never be a bargaining chip.”

In a statement delivered by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Fletcher emphasized that while the release of hostages in Gaza remains a priority, Israel, as the occupying power, is legally obligated under international law to allow humanitarian assistance into the besieged territory.

“Hostages in Gaza must be released, but international law is unequivocal: As the occupying power, Israel must allow humanitarian support in,” he said.

According to Dujarric, Fletcher underscored the neutrality and impartiality of humanitarian efforts, asserting that “the humanitarian movement is independent, impartial, and neutral and believes that all civilians are equally worthy of protection.”

Calling on Israeli authorities to lift the “brutal blockade,” Fletcher urged them to enable lifesaving aid operations. “Let the humanitarians save lives,” he appealed. Addressing the people of Gaza directly, he added: “We won’t give up, even if the world has given you every reason to give up on us.”

The UN spokesperson detailed the worsening conditions on the ground, with humanitarian operations increasingly obstructed by severe movement restrictions, military activity, and attacks on aid workers and shelters. “Recent strikes have reportedly hit residential buildings and tents sheltering displaced people, especially in Rafah and eastern Gaza City,” Dujarric said.

As of Tuesday, over 423,000 Palestinians have been displaced once again, with “no safe place to go in Gaza,” he added. With essential commodities scarce and insecurity rising, there has been an uptick in attacks on aid convoys and incidents of looting.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners have reported critical shortages of vital medicines and medical supplies. Alarming public health trends are also emerging, with cases of acute watery diarrhea rising by 4 percent in recent weeks as sanitation deteriorates and temperatures increase.

Fuel shortages remain a critical issue, with Dujarric noting that “colleagues on the ground have not been enabled to retrieve remaining stocks of desperately needed fuel located in areas that require coordination with Israeli authorities.” Since mid-April, eight out of nine such requests have been denied.

The UN continues to call for immediate and sustained humanitarian access to protect civilians and save lives in Gaza.

More than 52,400 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in a brutal Israeli onslaught since October 2023, most of them women and children.​​​​​​​