UNITED NATIONS – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has raised serious concerns over a new food distribution mechanism in Gaza, reportedly backed by Israeli authorities, calling it a violation of humanitarian principles and a threat to impartial aid delivery.
In a strongly worded statement, the UN chief criticised the replacement of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)’s aid operations with a system controlled by Israeli-approved entities. Guterres stressed that humanitarian aid must remain neutral and be distributed solely based on need, free from political influence.
“Aid delivery must not be politicised. It should be guided by humanitarian principles—neutrality, impartiality, and independence,” Guterres said.
UNRWA Operations Undermined
The development comes after Israel suspended cooperation with UNRWA, alleging links between some agency staff and Hamas—an accusation the agency denies and which remains under internal investigation. Since then, alternate aid systems have been introduced, reportedly involving non-UN organisations vetted by Israeli authorities.
The Secretary-General warned that such changes risk deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinians remain dependent on regular food and medical assistance.
Humanitarian Access Urged
Guterres urged the immediate restoration of full UNRWA operations and called for unhindered humanitarian access across Gaza. He warned that bypassing established UN channels compromises accountability, weakens coordination, and endangers the lives of civilians trapped in conflict zones.
International humanitarian organisations have echoed the Secretary-General’s concerns, stating that the alternative system lacks credibility and fails to meet international humanitarian standards.
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