UN calls on Israel to improve security, otherwise it will stop all aid work for Gaza

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Senior UN officials have given Israel an ultimatum, threatening to halt all aid operations in the Gaza Strip unless immediate measures are taken to improve the safety of humanitarian workers, two sources told AP on Tuesday.

In a letter sent to Israeli authorities this month, the world body called on Israel, among other things, to establish direct communication between its forces in the Gaza Strip and UN personnel, UN sources said.

The officials, who are in negotiations with Israeli representatives, said no final decision had been made on suspending UN operations across the Gaza Strip.

Talks with the Israeli authorities would continue, it was said.

The warning represents a sharp escalation of UN demands that Israel improve protections for aid work, which is often hampered by military strikes, and address the growing lawlessness that is hampering humanitarian efforts in the region.

The UN has repeatedly called on Israel to take stricter measures to ensure the operations and safety of aid personnel during the conflict.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed to reporters that a letter was sent on June 17 from the world organization’s humanitarian coordinator, Muhannad Hadi, to the Israeli coordination of government activities in the territories.

He said there were further contacts on Monday between Cogat and UN Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security Gilles Michaud.

Mr Dujarric said the UN had frequently reported incidents of humanitarian convoys being shot at.

He said the UN discussed attacks on previously conflict-free areas, including hospitals and shelters, last Friday.

Mr Dujarric described the risks to aid workers as “increasingly unbearable”, but added that the world body “will not turn its back on the people of Gaza”.

Updated: June 25, 2024, 9:47 p.m.