Senior United Nations (UN) officials have informed Israel that they will suspend aid operations across Gaza unless measures are taken to enhance the protection of humanitarian workers. This ultimatum was communicated through a letter sent to senior Israeli officials, demanding direct communication channels between UN workers and Israeli forces on the ground in Gaza.
UN officials, who spoke anonymously about the ongoing negotiations, emphasized that no final decision has been made regarding the suspension of operations, and discussions with Israeli counterparts are still in progress.
The UN's appeal for improved security comes in the wake of several incidents involving Israeli military strikes on humanitarian workers, including an April attack that resulted in the death of seven World Central Kitchen workers.
The World Food Program (WFP) has already halted aid deliveries from a US-built pier due to security concerns. Complaints have arisen from UN and other aid officials regarding a lack of swift and direct communication with Israeli forces, a practice known as “deconfliction,” which is commonly employed in conflict zones to protect aid workers.
WFP spokesman Steve Taravella noted that their warehouses have been hit by missiles on two occasions in the past two weeks, even though deconfliction protocols were supposed to be in place. Additionally, the UN has suspended cooperation with the US-built pier since June 9, following an Israeli military raid in the area that resulted in significant casualties.
UN officials have called for increased security and direct communication to continue their humanitarian efforts efficiently and safely amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.