Gaza: 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.

According to Qatar News Agency, Fletcher made a press statement on Thursday, highlighting that the Israeli occupation made a deliberate decision two months ago to block all aid from reaching Gaza. He stressed the importance of international law, stating it is clear and unequivocal: blocking humanitarian aid kills.

He further added that as the occupying power, Israel has the responsibility to allow the entry of humanitarian support. Fletcher emphasized that aid-and the civilian lives it saves-should never be used as bargaining chips.

Fletcher stressed that humanitarian agencies operate on principles of independence, neutrality, and impartiality, and they believe all civilians deserve equal protection. He affirmed that aid workers are prepared to save as many lives as possible, despite ongoing dangers.

Addressing Israeli occupation authorities and anyone with influence over them, the UN official reiterated the urgent appeal to lift the closure and enable humanitarian workers to save lives.