Amid the relentless killing and destruction in Gaza, the United Nations’ Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, has stressed that the world cannot allow the continued violence and suffering. He called on the warring parties to respect international humanitarian law and agree to an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
Griffiths issued a statement, expressing deep concern over the escalating horror in Gaza. He noted that hospitals are under fire, children are dying in nurseries, and the entire population is deprived of basic necessities. The United Nations and its partners, who have been present in Gaza for decades, remain committed to responding to the increasing humanitarian needs, guided by principles of humanity, neutrality, and independence.
On behalf of the humanitarian community, Griffiths urged all parties, those with influence over them, and the international community to support and implement a 10-point plan. The plan includes facilitating the efforts of relief agencies to ensure the continuous and safe flow of aid convoys, opening additional entry points for commercial trucks and aid, including the Kerem Shalom crossing, and ensuring that the United Nations, other humanitarian organizations, public and private sectors have access to sufficient fuel to provide essential aid and services.
The plan also emphasizes enabling humanitarian organizations to deliver aid throughout Gaza without hindrance, expanding the number of safe shelters for displaced civilians in schools and other public facilities throughout Gaza, and ensuring their safety throughout hostilities. It calls for improving the humanitarian notification mechanism to help protect civilians and civilian infrastructure from hostilities and facilitating humanitarian access.
Furthermore, the plan calls for allowing the establishment of relief distribution centers based on need, enabling civilians to move to safer areas and return voluntarily to their homes. It includes funding for the humanitarian response, which currently requires $1.2 billion, and implementing a humanitarian ceasefire for humanitarian reasons to allow the resumption of essential services and basic commercial activities, which are vital for facilitating aid delivery, hostage release, and allowing civilians to catch their breath.
Griffiths described these practical steps as crucial to curbing the killing and destruction and emphasized the comprehensive nature of the plan. He reiterated the determination to continue working toward each step but stressed the need for broad international support, calling on the world to act before it’s too late.
