New York: UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, called on Israeli occupation authorities to lift the blockade on Gaza, stating that restricting aid is starving civilians, depriving them of essential medical care, stripping them of hope, and inflicting severe collective punishment.

In a press statement on Thursday, Fletcher said that the Israeli occupation made a deliberate decision two months ago to block all aid from reaching Gaza. He stressed that international law is clear and unequivocal: blocking humanitarian aid kills.

He added that as the occupying power, Israel must allow the entry of humanitarian support, stating that aid – and the civilian lives it saves – should never be used as bargaining chips.

Fletcher emphasized that humanitarian agencies are independent, neutral, and impartial, and believe all civilians deserve equal protection. He affirmed that aid workers remain ready to save as many lives as possible, despite the ongoing dangers.

Addressing Israeli occupation authorities and anyone with influence over them, the UN official said that once again, they urge Israel to lift this brutal closure and let humanitarian workers save lives.