United Nations officials issued an unequivocal condemnation of recent remarks made by U.S. envoy to Tel Aviv who supported Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid entering Gaza, calling the action and its endorsement by Israeli government a potential “war crime”, underscoring international outrage over worsening humanitarian situation there.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman justified the blockade during a press conference in Tel Aviv by explaining it was necessary as “necessary security measure” against Hamas militants who may try to divert humanitarian assistance towards Hamas militants. These statements quickly aroused criticism from United Nations representatives and global humanitarian agencies.
“Violating international law by deliberately withholding aid to civilians who desperately require it is indefensible, morally unacceptable, and may amount to complicity in war crimes,” according to Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. Defending such actions amounts to morally indefensible behavior as well as possible war crime conviction.
since the conflict escalated in late 2023, Gaza has been under an intensified blockade that severely restricts basic necessities like food, water, fuel, and medical aid. Humanitarian convoys trying to enter through border crossings are regularly delayed, blocked, or targeted according to multiple aid agencies operating in the region.
The UN has reported that over 80% of Gaza’s population now relies on aid for survival, with hospitals overwhelmed and clean water supplies diminishing to near zero levels. Children and the elderly are especially affected, as malnutrition and disease spread quickly through overcrowded shelters.
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Palestine territories stated, “This is collective punishment on an entire civilian population” while breaking international humanitarian law and should be held accountable.
The U.S. State Department has yet to formally respond to the UN’s criticisms; however, senior officials have maintained that Washington backs efforts to increase humanitarian aid while meeting Israeli security concerns.
Global protests have broken out across major cities worldwide, calling for an immediate end to Israel and its allies’ blockade and increased international pressure against them. Furthermore, several European governments have advised reevaluating aid policies and diplomatic support due to this unfolding crisis.
As Gaza’s situation worsens, calls for humanitarian ceasefire and accountability for war crimes increase exponentially–posing a significant challenge to American diplomacy and global perceptions of its role in this conflict.