Situation in Gaza traumatising for humanitarian aid workers: UN coordinator
May 19, 2024
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Martin Griffiths, the UN Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, highlighted the se
May 19, 2024
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Martin Griffiths, the UN Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where 1.1 million people face catastrophic food insecurity, 1.7 million are displaced, and 17,000 children are unaccompanied. He expressed that the situation is unprecedented, even for experienced aid workers, and has worsened due to Israeli military actions blocking vital aid routes. Griffiths emphasized the urgent need to open land crossings to facilitate aid delivery. He refrained from assigning blame but acknowledged that Israel could do more to allow aid. He also noted the global trend of impunity for violence, urging stronger international efforts to address such crises. Griffiths pointed out the overshadowed crisis in Sudan, calling for more international attention and cooperation to address the famine and violence there. Reflecting on his tenure, he wished for better adherence to humanitarian norms and quicker deployment of peacekeeping forces.
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