UN warns Israeli actions pushing Gaza aid efforts to collapse

The United Nations’ relief operations in Gaza are teetering on the brink of collapse, according to Tom Fletcher, head of the UN’s humanitarian agency (Ocha). Fletcher accused Israeli forces of targeting aid workers and obstructing desperately needed assistance in the besieged territory.

He highlighted recent incidents of escalating violence:

• Israeli air strikes injured three people at a food distribution point run by a WFP partner.

• Israeli soldiers fired over 16 bullets at a clearly marked UN convoy attempting to pass through a checkpoint.

• Palestinian looters hijacked six fuel tankers entering Gaza via the Karem Abu Salem crossing, depleting resources critical for aid operations. There has been growing evidence that Israel backs such looters inside Gaza.

“The reality is that despite our determination to deliver food, water and medicine to survivors, our efforts to save lives are at breaking point,” Fletcher said.

He criticised the Israeli military for failing to safeguard relief missions while actively endangering them, alleging that “statements by Israeli authorities vilify our aid workers even as the military attacks them”.

He added that local volunteers assisting aid convoys are being deliberately targeted, leaving humanitarian workers defenceless against looters and aggressors.

With lawlessness spreading across Gaza, Fletcher warned the humanitarian crisis would worsen unless international action is taken to restore safety and access for aid efforts