UN humanitarian chief warns of winter catastrophe in Gaza, demands end to 'collective punishment'
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Fletcher called for immediate delivery of critical winter supplies.
- OCHA demanded that all border crossings into the Gaza Strip be opened.
- Fletcher emphasized that displaced Palestinians face severe, preventable risks from seasonal winter weather.
United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher issued an urgent appeal on Wednesday demanding an immediate end to obstruction of relief aid into the Gaza Strip, rejecting political explanations for delays as a violation of international humanitarian law.
Read more: Board of Peace calls on ‘Israel’ to lift barriers to Gaza winter aid
In a statement released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator dismissed diplomatic assurances that substantial aid flows must wait for political developments in 'Israel'.
No more delays. No more excuses. We must open all the crossings, mobilize the whole humanitarian community, and get our full Winter plan delivered for Gaza. https://t.co/pUGvbizZVZ
— Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) November 11, 2026
"Foreign Ministers and partners have assured me of support, but also repeatedly said that progress would be hard until after 'Israeli' elections. Now we're told to wait for the formation of a government," Fletcher stated. "In case anyone has any doubt about international humanitarian law: this is not an acceptable excuse, as the international community and Board of Peace have made clear".
Fletcher warned that prolonged delays, operational blockades, and funding deficits are directly resulting in preventable deaths and exposing displaced civilians to severe seasonal hardships.
He noted that winter weather should not pose a lethal danger, but becomes one when populations are denied proper shelter, adequate tents, and the freedom to move away from flood-prone zones.
"We have set out a clear plan for the supplies we need to get in. Not in weeks, but weeks ago," Fletcher said, detailing essential aid components including durable winter shelters, warm clothing, blankets, safe heating gear, generators, engine oil, fuel, dewatering pumps, and equipment required to remove debris and clear unexploded ordnance.
"No more delay. Open all the crossings, not just one. Let our vital NGO partners work. Allow the commercial markets to function. Stop this collective punishment. Fund the plan. End this predictable, preventable suffering. The world is not powerless here," he added.
