Geneva, May 27 2025 — The UN has called for the immediate reopening of all land crossings into Gaza in order to facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid, while criticizing the newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as being “distracting” from meeting Palestinian population needs. SBS Australia reports.
Jens Laerke, Spokesperson for the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stressed the importance of restoring access through established channels rather than resorting to alternative means. Laerke explained: “Reopening all crossings into Gaza, creating a safe environment within Gaza, expeditious processing and approvals for missions outside Gaza border area, as well as final approvals of emergency supplies that we currently possess but need access,” are what are truly needed, rather than turning back towards alternative routes like alternative mechanisms or bypasses. Asociati Anadolu Ajansi: 6 for its coverage: Anadolu Ajansi: +3. Devdiscourse +3 umplut SBS Australia +3
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GHF, an organization funded by both the United States and Israel, announced on Monday that they have begun dispensing food aid into Gaza through “Secure Distribution Sites,” predominantly situated in southern Gaza. Reportedly protected by U.S. private contractors and Israeli soldiers, these locations have raised concerns among humanitarian groups regarding accessibility and neutrality issues surrounding this distribution model.
Financial Times
Juliette Touma, director of communications for UNRWA’s Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), expressed doubt about GHF operations after noting that over 3,000 aid trucks carrying food and medicines are stranded at borders with some medical supplies nearing expiration. Touma noted: “We’ve seen those reports and some photos that we simply can’t verify – however what I know for certain is that at minimum 500 to 600 trucks (per day) need to enter Gaza with supplies containing not only food but medicine as well,” Touma stated. Anadolu Ajansi
Anadolu Ajansi The GHF’s approach has also been widely criticized, due to the potential to force displaced and injured Palestinians through potentially hazardous and militarized zones just to access aid, potentially furthering displacement and hardship. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher cautioned that such plans might “make starvation a bargaining chip” while restricting it only to one area of Gaza.
Jake Wood, the executive director of GHF, abruptly resigned only days before aid deliveries commenced due to concerns about its ability to adhere to humanitarian principles such as neutrality, impartiality, and independence. His resignation has further cast suspicion upon its operations and objectives.
Gaza remains in dire humanitarian straits, suffering severe shortages of food, medicine and fuel due to an ongoing blockade. Only some UNRWA health centers remain operational; vital medical supplies have all but vanished.
As the GHF moves ahead with aid distribution, they face the daunting task of winning over both Palestinians and international humanitarian communities to gain their trust. Their effectiveness and ethical implications will likely remain closely scrutinized over time.
Situation demonstrates the complexity of providing humanitarian aid in conflict zones, where relief efforts often intersect with political and military considerations.