Gaza: The United Nations Humanitarian Country Team has strongly criticized Israel’s plans to change how humanitarian aid is delivered in Gaza, warning that the new system would endanger civilians and breach core humanitarian principles.
In a joint statement released over the weekend, the UN team—led by the top humanitarian coordinator in the region and representing both international and Palestinian NGOs—expressed grave concern over Israeli efforts to dismantle the current aid network. The proposed changes, officials said, would deepen the already catastrophic conditions in Gaza.
The new Israeli proposal would redirect all humanitarian aid through military-run centers, cutting out independent UN agencies and humanitarian organizations. The UN warns this shift would leave large segments of the population, particularly vulnerable and immobile individuals, without access to life-saving resources such as food, water, and medical care.
“People are starving, bakeries are closed, and community kitchens have shut down. Warehouses are empty, and children are going hungry,” the UN statement said, painting a bleak picture of daily life in Gaza.
By requiring civilians to enter militarized zones to receive aid, the UN said, the Israeli plan would expose both civilians and humanitarian workers to serious risks. It also warned that this approach could worsen the already widespread displacement of Gazans.
Israel has defended the changes as necessary for security reasons and appears to be preparing for a broader military operation in the southern and central parts of the territory. On Saturday, the country reportedly called up thousands of military reservists, signaling a potential escalation.
The UN reaffirmed that humanitarian assistance must adhere to the principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity, and independence. All 16 UN agencies operating in Gaza, along with major aid organizations, have endorsed this collective stance.
“Humanitarian aid must reach people wherever they are,” the statement emphasized.
Despite the challenges, UN teams remain in Gaza and are prepared to resume scaled-up operations if access is restored. They called on world leaders to act immediately and pressure Israel to reopen border crossings to allow the flow of critical supplies.
In a social media update on Sunday, UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, warned that a third of vital supplies in Gaza are already depleted, and another third is expected to run out in less than two months.
“The time is now,” the UN urged, calling for urgent international action.
