The United Nations has sharply criticized the US-Israeli method of distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza, describing it as 'heartbreaking' and 'sadistic.' Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressed deep concern over the chaotic scenes of desperate Gazans rushing for aid, highlighting the dire situation in the region. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US operation endorsed by Israel, has been at the center of these criticisms, with UN officials calling for the opening of all crossing points to facilitate the delivery of aid and commercial goods.
Further exacerbating the crisis, the UN human rights office reported that 47 people were injured while attempting to receive food aid at distribution sites operated by the GHF. Ajith Sunghay, Head of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, cited gunfire from the Israel Defense Forces as the cause of the injuries. The incident underscores the volatile conditions under which aid is being distributed in Gaza, with the UN urging for immediate measures to ensure the safety and dignity of civilians.
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated to unprecedented levels, with widespread displacement, starvation, and destruction. Jonathan Whittall, who heads the UN aid coordination office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, warned that Gaza is becoming a 'bigger and bigger crime scene' each day. The severe restrictions on aid delivery have left many without basic necessities, with UN teams only permitted to distribute flour to bakeries and not directly to families in need.
Amid these challenges, the UN has called for accountability and increased political and economic pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The organization emphasizes the need for international law to be respected and for humanitarian operations to be enabled without further delay. As the situation continues to unfold, the UN and its partners remain ready to deliver aid at scale, provided that the necessary access and security conditions are met.
