Humanitarian workers risked their lives and about 380 of them were killed.

There must be full accountability for atrocities committed under international humanitarian law.

The West Bank is witnessing operations involving lethal war-like tactics that go beyond law enforcement standards.

UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian work in Gaza and no other agency has the capacity to take its place.

We need more than $4 billion to help 3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank, of which we have received less than 4 percent.

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, described the situation in the Gaza Strip as “catastrophic,” with most of the population displaced to areas lacking basic needs.

Fletcher, who visited the West Bank and Gaza Strip and saw the extent of the destruction and suffering, told Al-Quds: “Humanitarian workers are risking their lives, as about 380 people have been killed while performing their duty.”

Fletcher stressed the need for the parties to the conflict to abide by international humanitarian law, expressing his concern about the continued escalation in the West Bank, particularly evictions and demolitions. He stressed that the population is in dire need of protection.

He also stressed the pivotal role of UNRWA in providing basic services to Palestinian refugees, warning of the repercussions of any attempts to undermine its work.

He called on the international community to increase financial support for the humanitarian response, as only a small portion of the funding required for 2025 has been secured.

In this interview with Al-Quds, Fletcher presents his vision on how to support humanitarian efforts in Palestine, stressing that the solution does not lie only in meeting immediate humanitarian needs, but in finding long-term solutions that enhance stability and peace in the region.

The following is the text of the interview:

* How would you describe the humanitarian situation in Gaza after you have completed your visit to the region, especially in light of the ongoing siege and looming famine?

- The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Almost the entire population has been displaced, often multiple times, to areas that lack the basic necessities for survival. While in Gaza, I visited two hospitals where I met with patients, staff and management. One of them, Al Awda Hospital, is the only hospital currently operating in the North Gaza Governorate.

The extensive destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, roads and services is visible everywhere. The scale of the destruction and suffering exceeds my worst fears. As I navigated the rubble in northern Gaza, it was impossible to recognize what used to be a home, a hospital or a school.

Survivors and returnees are trying to rebuild their lives. I am inspired by their determination as I hear their stories. The United Nations is seizing every opportunity presented by the ceasefire to deliver as much life-saving assistance as possible to more than two million people in Gaza.

Gaza is the 'most dangerous' place for humanitarian workers

* You mentioned in your previous statements that Gaza has become the “most dangerous” place for humanitarian workers. What are the biggest challenges facing humanitarian efforts there?

- The UN’s humanitarian priority is to alleviate the immense suffering caused by the conflict. This includes coordinating the entry of daily supplies into Gaza, such as water, food, medical supplies, blankets, clothing and fuel needed to run essential services amidst power cuts. Humanitarian partners have scaled up their operations to repair critical infrastructure such as roads and water facilities, and to restore bakeries. These scale-ups were planned before the ceasefire, meaning we were ready to ramp up our services minutes after the ceasefire went into effect.

Throughout the hostilities, humanitarian workers have risked their lives to reach people in need. Some 380 of them have been killed in Gaza, including in the line of duty. The ceasefire has made it safer to deliver essential supplies. We and our partners are expanding our life-saving humanitarian operations as more humanitarian supplies reach Gaza.

* How do you assess the extent to which the parties to the conflict are adhering to international humanitarian law with regard to the protection of civilians and vital infrastructure?

_ During any war, parties must abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, and Gaza is no exception. Throughout this conflict, civilians have suffered immensely as shelters have been bombed, hospitals attacked, and vital infrastructure destroyed. Member States, particularly those on the Security Council, must use their collective voice and influence to ensure that the ceasefire is upheld, civilians are protected, and international law is respected. There must be full accountability for atrocities committed, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Escalation of violence by the occupation and its settlers in the West Bank

* The West Bank is currently witnessing an escalation in violence, including demolitions, settlements, and settler attacks. How does this affect humanitarian operations there?

_ The escalation in the West Bank continues to increase humanitarian needs. During my visit, I met some of the many families facing eviction, and Palestinians whose homes were demolished, along with their lifelong memories. The population is in dire need of protection. We continue to witness operations in the West Bank involving lethal war-like tactics that go beyond law enforcement standards.

Palestinians across the West Bank face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, receiving essential services, and earning a living due to the hundreds of barriers in place in the area. These barriers exacerbate the humanitarian situation, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian workers to be able to provide critical support. However, policies that restrict movement and access hamper our efforts. When the people we aim to help are placed under curfew, we are unable to reach them, denying us the unfettered access we need to deliver assistance. At the same time, some of the vital supplies we provide, such as shelter for people displaced by home demolitions, can be confiscated.

UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian work in Gaza

* Regarding UNRWA, how can the continued provision of basic services to Palestinian refugees be ensured in light of efforts to limit its role?

- UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian action in Gaza. No other UN agency has the capacity to replace UNRWA’s essential services. UNRWA runs schools, health facilities, warehouses and offices, and employs more staff than any other organization. The Agency operates under a mandate from the UN General Assembly. Despite all the uncertain circumstances, UNRWA continues to carry out its vital work. In Gaza, the Agency distributes life-saving assistance to a population that needs it more than ever. In the West Bank, UNRWA runs schools, provides health services, collects solid waste and other vital assistance.

* How can the international community support humanitarian efforts in Palestine in a more effective and sustainable way?

- The humanitarian response requires a collective effort that is not limited to the humanitarian community alone. Aid stocks must be replenished regularly, including by Member States. The private sector also plays a crucial role in response and recovery efforts. Sufficient commercial supplies must be allowed into Gaza.

With the support and generosity of the international community, the United Nations and its partners will be able to continue their life-saving humanitarian and development work. With the right conditions and resources, we can continue to deliver assistance to those who need it. It is urgent that the world increase its funding for the humanitarian response in the occupied Palestinian territory. This year, we need more than US$4 billion to assist 3 million Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, but less than 4 per cent of this funding has been received so far.

* Do you have any recommendations for the international community on how to address the worsening humanitarian crisis?

The humanitarian community will continue to provide urgent, life-saving support to the people of Gaza and the West Bank, providing water, food, health care, shelter and basic services to those most in need.

But we must also focus on long-term solutions to address this crisis. Our goal is not just to meet immediate humanitarian needs, but to reduce these needs over time.

That is why the United Nations is steadfast in its commitment to support all efforts that promote peace and stability for the peoples of Palestine and Israel, and throughout the region.