“Lift the Restrictions”: UN Demands Full Aid Access for Gaza Amidst Civilian Deaths

“Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in,” demanded UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher on Wednesday, as he condemned the “horrifying scenes” of Gazans being killed while seeking food aid. His plea for unfettered access comes amidst a dire humanitarian situation exacerbated by aid site closures and ongoing violence.
The crisis deepened with the temporary closure of facilities operated by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This decision followed a string of deadly incidents near its distribution centers, including the tragic killing of 27 people in southern Gaza on Tuesday. The Israeli army has also designated roads to these centers as “combat zones,” further obstructing aid efforts.
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 overwhelming 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 called for the “open[ing of] the crossings — all of them,” and the implementation of a ceasefire to enable the UN to deliver critical assistance at scale and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.