Tom Fletcher, the UN’s humanitarian aid chief, stated that the worst fears for Gaza were confirmed following the resumption of Israeli airstrikes. He reported that the airstrikes have restarted across Gaza, resulting in hundreds of deaths and new evacuation orders.
Fletcher criticized Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid, highlighting that 2.1 million people are without food, medicine, and fuel. He warned that a complete halt to humanitarian aid would have severe consequences for Gaza’s population, which is heavily dependent on this assistance. Fletcher also stressed the need for renewing the ceasefire and securing funds for humanitarian aid, pointing out that only 4% of the needs have been met so far.
He also mentioned the worsening situation in the West Bank, where 95 Palestinians, including 17 children, have been killed since the start of 2025. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced due to military operations.
Fletcher called for the opening of borders for humanitarian aid, the renewal of the ceasefire, and funding for the humanitarian response. Since October 2023, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have caused over 48,500 fatalities, mostly women and children, with more than 112,000 injured.
Additionally, in November last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case in the International Court of Justice for its war against the Gaza Strip.
