Humanitarian aid in Middle East should not be held hostage to politics

Recurring cycles of violence in the Middle East highlight the need for international efforts to prevent hostilities, provide humanitarian aid and support Palestinian reconciliation, the UN’s political chief told the Security Council on August 22.

Rosemary DiCarlo briefed the 15 ambassadors on developments over the past months, during which there has been an escalation in incidents between Israelis and Palestinians.

She added that the humanitarian situation in Gaza had also further deteriorated, though the re-opening of the only commercial goods crossing into the Strip was welcome.

Gaza has been under blockade for more than a decade after the militant group Hamas gained control of the enclave.

Israel closed the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza in July in response to Palestinians launching incendiary kites into its territory. Though it became operational again this month, another crossing for pedestrians has been shuttered except for humanitarian cases.

“As we work towards a full lifting of the closures on Gaza, in line with Security Council resolution 1860 (2009), I call on all parties to ensure that urgently needed humanitarian supplies reach the Strip. These should not be held hostage to political and security developments,” Ms. DiCarlo said.

“I also reiterate previous calls by the Special Coordinator (the UN’s Nickolay Mladenov) to Hamas to provide full information on the Israeli nationals who are being held in Gaza, as required by international humanitarian law.”

Turning to Gaza’s “crumbling” infrastructure, Ms. DiCarlo reported that the UN is increasing its capacity to better support projects in the areas of energy, water, health and job creation.

However, she expressed concern that funding for UN emergency fuel, which sustains roughly 250 critical facilities in the enclave, had run out, while essential medicine stocks were dangerously low.

Additionally, the UN agency that assists Palestinians, UNRWA, has also been facing a cash crunch.

“The Secretary-General has warned that failing to address UNRWA’s remaining $217 million funding shortfall will have serious humanitarian and developmental consequences, as well as implications for regional stability,” she stated.

Original source: UN News
Published on 22 August 2018