Article shared by Tom McDermott
OCHA has formally rejected the US / Israeli plan for distribution of aid in Gaza. In response the US has heavily criticized the UN, claiming that the UN finds itself on "the same side as Hamas". Will the UN blink and in the end participate in a system which they say "contravenes fundamental humanitarian principles"? Tom
Click here for the article
Summary
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has formally rejected a new Israeli plan to restructure Gaza aid deliveries, stating it violates key humanitarian principles. The plan involves bypassing the UN-run system in favor of direct distribution to families by international organizations and private contractors, with Israeli military oversight. OCHA and other UN bodies warn the proposal risks exacerbating civilian harm and using aid as a tool of military leverage.
Quotes
“Israeli officials have sought to shut down the existing aid distribution system run by the United Nations and its humanitarian partners and have us agree to deliver supplies through Israeli hubs under conditions set by the Israeli military.”
“The design of the plan presented to us will mean large parts of Gaza, including the less mobile and most vulnerable people, will continue to go without supplies.”
“[It] contravenes fundamental humanitarian principles and appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic – as part of a military strategy.”
“The UN Secretary-General and the Emergency Relief Coordinator have made clear that we will not participate in any scheme that does not adhere to the global humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.”
A U.S. State Department official criticized the UN’s stance, calling the Israeli proposal “a creative, outside-the-box thinking solution to a difficult problem.”
“It is a really bad optic for these groups to be on the same side as terrorist Hamas on this.”
Comments
Post a Comment
Please ensure you leave your name, bei either selecting your google account (if you have one), or selecting 'name' from the drop down menu. Enter your name there. If confused, leave your name in the text of your comment.