UN Humanitarian Chief Urges Renewed Gaza Ceasefire, Calls for Lifting of Aid Blockade Amidst Airstrikes

The UN humanitarian chief has urgently called for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza and appealed to Israel to lift the blockade on life-saving aid and commercial supplies. This appeal follows the resumption of deadly airstrikes across the Gaza Strip. Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, addressing the Security Council via video call, expressed grave concerns over the renewed hostilities and evacuation orders issued by Israeli forces, which have instilled fear among the Gazan population. Fletcher noted that the suspension of aid and commercial materials is undermining the progress made during the ceasefire. Since March 2, Israeli authorities have blocked the entry of essential supplies, including food, medicines, fuel, and cooking gas, and have cut power to a desalination plant, limiting clean water access for 600,000 people. Fletcher emphasized that blocking essential resources is unacceptable and called for the protection of civilians and adherence to international law. He urged all parties to renew the ceasefire and end the suffering of the region's people.