UN Aid Chief Questions Israel to Prevent Genocide in Gaza
Israel sharply criticized the United Nations aid chief after he urged the UN Security Council to act decisively to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip. The warning comes amid growing concerns that famine is imminent due to Israel’s blockade that has halted aid deliveries to the Palestinian territory for over 75 days.
During a recent briefing to the 15-member Security Council, the UN aid chief asked, “Will you act – decisively – to prevent genocide and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law?” This direct appeal triggered a strong response from Israel.
Israel Challenges UN Aid Chief’s Accusation
In a letter addressed to the UN aid chief, Israel’s ambassador accused him of using the term genocide as a political weapon against Israel, calling the statement irresponsible and lacking evidence. The ambassador wrote, “You had the audacity, in your capacity as a senior UN official, to stand before the Security Council and invoke the charge of genocide without evidence, mandate, or restraint. It was an utterly inappropriate and deeply irresponsible statement that shattered any notion of neutrality.”
Under international law, genocide involves the intent to destroy, wholly or partially, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group through acts such as killings, causing serious harm, or imposing conditions designed to bring about physical destruction.
UN Aid Chief Responds to Israel’s Criticism
The UN aid chief responded by reaffirming his commitment to the UN Charter and the principles of humanity, independence, impartiality, and neutrality. He emphasized the importance of honesty in reporting observations and fulfilling the UN’s mandate.
The conflict in Gaza escalated following a deadly attack by Palestinian militants on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths in southern Israel and the capture of approximately 250 hostages. Since then, Israel’s military response has resulted in more than 53,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza health authorities.
Humanitarian Crisis and Blockade Impact
Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid, a claim Hamas denies, and has maintained a complete blockade on Gaza since March 2, demanding the release of all hostages. Meanwhile, a global hunger monitor recently warned that nearly half a million people in Gaza face starvation, representing about a quarter of the population.
The UN aid chief appealed directly to Israel to lift the aid blockade, highlighting that 9,000 trucks—half loaded with food—have been cleared by the Israeli military agency responsible for coordinating aid and are ready to enter Gaza.
He assured, “We have solid plans to distribute to civilians, with verification measures to ensure that aid does not get stolen by Hamas. We showed during the ceasefire that we can deliver at scale. Please let us do our work.”
For more updates on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, visit Filipinokami.com.