In a statement on Wednesday, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher indicated that two days following the gathering of world leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh to endorse the US-led peace initiative, there exists “a moment of great but precarious hope.”
“It is evident from the public’s reaction to the progress that Palestinians, Israelis, and people across the region desire for this peace to take hold,” Mr. Fletcher stated.
“We must not fail to fully implement the agreements made.”
UN humanitarian operations have finally begun to expand “after months of frustration and blockages,” with deliveries of food, medicine, fuel, water, cooking gas, and tents to those in need.
Renewed setbacks
However, he cautioned that renewed setbacks now threaten to undermine the fragile progress.
“We are now tested to ensure these do not prevent the progress on which President [Donald] Trump, the UN Secretary-General, and many leaders have insisted,” he remarked.
Mr. Fletcher urged Hamas to “make strenuous efforts to return all the bodies of deceased hostages, urgently,” and expressed concern over “evidence of violence against civilians in Gaza.”
He also urged Israel to allow “the massive surge of humanitarian aid – thousands of trucks a week – on which so many lives depend.” Additional border crossings must be opened, he said, and remaining logistical barriers lifted to ensure aid flows freely.
“Facilitation of aid is a legal obligation,” Mr. Fletcher emphasized. “We will not accept any interference with our aid distribution.”
Summary executions in Gaza
His appeal came as the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reported new allegations of serious abuses in Gaza, including summary executions and unlawful killings of civilians.
Armed clashes between Hamas-affiliated groups and rival factions have intensified since 10 October, OHCHR said in a news release.
On 13 October, video footage released by the Sahm Unit, reportedly linked to Gaza’s Interior Ministry, showed the public execution of eight blindfolded and handcuffed men alleged to be members of a Gaza City-based family militia.
OHCHR stated that such acts “amount to a war crime,” and reminded Hamas to “prevent and repress any violation or abuse committed by its members.”
Meanwhile, Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on Palestinians attempting to return to their homes in eastern Gaza City on 14 October, resulting in three deaths. OHCHR said it had recorded 15 Palestinian deaths in similar incidents since 10 October.
“The situation in Gaza remains precarious and uncertain,” stated Ajith Sunghay, head of OHCHR in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“It is imperative to ensure that the ceasefire holds and progresses to recovery and the full realization of Palestinians’ right to self-determination,” he added.
Leave a Reply