UN calls Israel-backed effort to get aid to Gazans a ‘distraction’

The work of a US-backed private humanitarian organization tasked with distributing aid in Gaza is a distraction from what is needed, such as the opening of crossing points, a UN spokesperson says.

“We do not participate in this modality for the reasons given. It is a distraction from what is actually needed,” said Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office (OCHA), calling for the reopening of all crossings into Gaza and more Israeli approvals for emergency supplies.

The Gaza Humanitarian Fund, an Israeli-initiated plan, began distributing supplies in Gaza on Monday, it said.

The UN and most aid groups have refused to cooperate with the effort, which is aimed at keeping aid from being commandeered by Hamas. The terror group has demanded Gazans boycott the effort.

Juliette Touma, communications director of the UN Palestinian refugee agency, says the UN does not know what is being distributed.

“We don’t have any information,” she says. “We know what’s needed, we know what’s missing, and we are very, very far from that daily target.”

“The needs are 500-600 trucks at a minimum that should go into Gaza, loaded with supplies. Not only food but also medicine, medical supplies, vaccines for children, fuel, water and other basics for people’s survival,” Touma says. “We have over 3,000 trucks, not only of food, but also medicines that are lining up in places like Jordan, like Egypt, that are waiting for the green light to go in, and they’re carrying medicines and that is expiring soon.”