By J Nastranis

NEW YORK | 5 May 2025 (WorldView) — The United Nations has reiterated its refusal to participate in any humanitarian aid distribution scheme in Gaza that does not align with internationally recognized principles. This comes amid the implementation of a new aid initiative—spearheaded by Israel and the United States—that bypasses established UN delivery mechanisms.

In an exclusive interview with UN News, Olga Cherevko, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), warned that delays in effective aid distribution are costing lives.

“There’s been so much time wasted talking about various proposals and plans. In the meantime, people are dying and left without aid,” Cherevko said.

A “Proven System” Ignored

Cherevko emphasized that the UN already operates a tried and tested system for delivering humanitarian assistance, refined through multiple global crises.

“It’s a system that works—it mitigates theft and diversion, and ensures aid reaches those in need,” she said. “We cannot participate in any scheme that deviates from humanitarian principles.”

This statement comes after Israel temporarily lifted a near three-month blockade on Gaza, allowing limited amounts of food, flour, and essential supplies to enter. The UN was informed this temporary allowance would end once the newly created Gaza Humanitarian Foundation becomes operational. The Foundation plans to distribute aid via four access points south of the Israeli-controlled Netzarim Corridor, using private U.S. contractors.

Aid Trickles in—but Not Nearly Enough

Cherevko described the volume of recently allowed aid as “a drop in the ocean” compared to the overwhelming needs on the ground.

“We’ve been able to restart some bakery operations and deliver medical supplies to a field hospital. These are positive steps, but far from what’s needed,” she said.

While humanitarian actors welcomed the entry of food and medical supplies, Cherevko stressed that only a full spectrum of aid—including fuel, water, and sanitation supplies—can address Gaza’s crisis at scale.

Looming Concerns Over Displacement and Looting

As part of the new plan, aid is expected to be distributed only south of the Netzarim Corridor. Cherevko expressed deep concern that this could worsen displacement trends.

“Before the ceasefire, over 90 percent of Gazans were already displaced. When it broke down in March, another 610,000 fled their homes,” she noted. “Now, people are sleeping on the streets—there is no safe place in Gaza.”

The collapse of the ceasefire and the shutdown of aid crossings have also led to a rise in looting. Cherevko pointed out that such incidents were rare when larger volumes of aid entered during the ceasefire.

“People Are Just Waiting to Die”

Having worked in Gaza since 2014, Cherevko described the deteriorating human toll in emotional terms.

“Gaza’s people are resilient, but now there’s a sense that this is the end. People tell me they haven’t eaten in days. Children are visibly malnourished,” she said.

Cherevko concluded with a plea to decision-makers: the humanitarian community is ready, and the aid is waiting—what’s lacking is access.

“We’re watching preventable deaths happen every day. And that’s the most frustrating part—knowing this could be fixed, fast, if only we were allowed to do our job.” (WorldView)

Image: A young girl in Gaza trying to gather the remaining scraps of food from the cooking pot. Source: UN News