New York, May 4 (Petra) – The United Nations on Sunday reiterated its rejection of a plan proposed by Israeli occupation forces concerning the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Israel has blocked all aid supplies to the enclave for over nine weeks, including essential life-saving items. As a result, bakeries have closed, charity kitchens have ceased operations, warehouses are empty, and children are facing hunger.

In a statement, OCHA said Israeli authorities are attempting to dismantle the current UN-led aid distribution system and compel humanitarian agencies to operate through Israeli-controlled centers under conditions set by the Israeli military pending government approval to reopen border crossings.

OCHA warned that the design of Israel’s proposed plan would continue to deprive large areas of Gaza especially the most vulnerable and immobile populations of critical supplies. "This contradicts fundamental humanitarian principles and appears intended to use essential goods as a means of pressure, as part of a broader military strategy," the statement read.

The agency called the situation "dangerous," noting that forcing civilians to enter military zones to obtain aid threatens their lives, as well as those of humanitarian workers, and deepens patterns of forced displacement.

UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres and the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator have both stated that the organization will not participate in any arrangement that violates global humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.

In the occupied Palestinian territory, heads of all UN agencies and NGO members of the Humanitarian Country Team unanimously supported this position, affirming that humanitarian operations must serve those in need, wherever they are.

"Our teams in Gaza remain ready to scale up the delivery of essential supplies and services food, water, healthcare, nutrition, and protection. We have substantial stockpiles prepared to enter once the blockade is lifted," the office added.

OCHA urged world leaders to use their influence to enable immediate humanitarian access, stating: "Now is the time to act."

//Petra// AF

04/05/2025 21:42:22