Statement by Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, on Gaza

The Israeli authorities have temporarily allowed us to resume limited aid deliveries into Gaza, following an 11-week comprehensive blockade and amid an escalating military offensive. This is a welcome development and should remain in place.

Today, nine of our trucks were given the green light to enter through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

However, this represents only a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed, and much greater amounts of aid must be allowed into Gaza, starting tomorrow morning.

We have received assurances that our work will be facilitated through existing and proven mechanisms. I appreciate this assurance, as well as Israel’s agreement to humanitarian notification measures that mitigate the significant security risks involved. I am determined that our aid reaches those most in need and minimizes the risk of looting by Hamas or other armed groups.

Our expectations regarding the current situation at the crossings are realistic. Given the ongoing bombardment and acute levels of hunger, the risks of looting and insecurity will be significant.

However, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to deliver aid even amid these challenges. I am deeply grateful to our humanitarian colleagues for their tremendous courage and dedication, as they represent the best of humanity.

We are prepared to do much more. To achieve this, we urge the Israeli authorities to:

Open at least two crossings into Gaza, one in the north and one in the south.

Simplify and facilitate procedures, without imposing restrictions on the amount of aid allowed through.

Lift restrictions on access into Gaza and refrain from attacks in or during areas where aid is being delivered.

Allow us to meet all needs for food, water, hygiene, shelter, health, fuel, gas, and more.

To limit looting, there must be a regular flow of aid, and humanitarian workers must be allowed to use multiple routes. The humanitarian response must be complemented by commercial goods.

We stand ready and determined to expand our life-saving operations in Gaza and respond to the needs of the population wherever they are.

We once again call for the protection of civilians. The ceasefire must be resumed. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.

It will not be easy. But the humanitarian community will seize every opportunity.