Asheaf AboArafe
The UN Humanitarian Country Team, which leads coordinated relief efforts across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, has issued a sharp condemnation of Israeli plans to alter the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza. The proposed changes, the team warned, could deepen the already dire humanitarian crisis in the enclave and violate core humanitarian principles.
In a statement released on Sunday, the team – representing 16 UN entities and major humanitarian partners, including international and Palestinian NGOs – criticized Israel’s attempt to reroute aid distribution through military-controlled hubs. Such a move, they said, would undermine the independence and neutrality of humanitarian operations and endanger both civilians and aid workers.
“Bakeries have shut. Community kitchens have closed. Warehouses stand empty. Children have gone hungry,” the statement read, painting a grim picture of conditions on the ground.
The UN said the Israeli plan would cut off aid to large parts of Gaza and force vulnerable civilians to enter militarized areas to access food and medical supplies — a measure the organization described as “dangerous” and likely to escalate forced displacement.
The Israeli government has defended the new policy as a necessary security measure amid an expected military escalation in central and southern Gaza. On Saturday, thousands of military reservists reportedly received call-up notices, signaling a potential intensification of the campaign.
The UN reiterated that all humanitarian operations must adhere to the principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality. It called on world leaders to pressure Israel to reopen border crossings and allow unhindered humanitarian access.
“The time is now,” the statement concluded.
According to the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), nearly a third of essential supplies in Gaza are already depleted, with another third projected to run out within two months.
