UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher on Wednesday specifically called for the “Release the hostages,” implicitly linking their release to the broader humanitarian efforts and condemning the “horrifying scenes” of Gazans being killed while seeking food aid. His comprehensive statement underscores the interconnectedness of various aspects of the conflict and the human cost.
The call for hostage release comes amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the temporary closure of facilities operated by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This decision followed a series of deadly incidents near its distribution centers, including the tragic killing of 27 people in southern Gaza on Tuesday, an event currently under Israeli military investigation.
Fletcher unequivocally stated that the civilian deaths are the “outcome of a series of deliberate choices that have systematically deprived two million people of the essentials they need to survive.” He highlighted the immense burden on emergency medical teams and the systemic nature of the crisis.
Echoing UN chief Antonio Guterres, Fletcher demanded immediate independent investigations and accountability. He further called for the opening of “all” crossings into Gaza, the lifting of restrictions on aid, and the implementation of a ceasefire to enable the UN to deliver critical assistance at scale and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.