Politics1 min read

UN humanitarian chief says 'no more excuses' on opening Gaza crossing

By · Via Middle East Eye · Published by Everything Blog

In short

United Nations relief coordinator Tom Fletcher warned that bureaucratic and political delays can no longer be tolerated regarding access points into Gaza. He pushed back against donor nations proposing that vital supplies wait until an Israeli government is established, labeling the stance unacceptable under international law. Immediate access is required to deploy a comprehensive winter plan and mitigate the damage caused by prolonged blockages and budget cuts.

Key points

  • Humanitarian leadership insists political transitions cannot justify delaying essential a…: Humanitarian leadership insists political transitions cannot justify delaying essential aid deliveries to vulnerable populations.
  • Border crossings must open immediately to allow the deployment of comprehensive seasonal…: Border crossings must open immediately to allow the deployment of comprehensive seasonal relief operations.
  • Aid blockages and financial reductions are actively compounding the humanitarian difficul…: Aid blockages and financial reductions are actively compounding the humanitarian difficulties faced across the region.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said on Wednesday that there cannot be any more delays to opening the border crossings into Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid.

"No more delays. No more excuses. We must open all the crossings, mobilize the whole humanitarian community, and get our full Winter plan delivered for Gaza," Fletcher wrote in a post on X.

He said that certain countries supporting aid deliveries to Gaza told him that delivering winter supplies will have to wait for the formation of an Israeli government.

“This is not an acceptable excuse,” he added, citing international law and the consequences of delays, blockages and funding cuts.

No more delays. No more excuses. We must open all the crossings, mobilize the whole humanitarian community, and get our full Winter plan delivered for Gaza. https://t.co/pUGvbizZVZ

— Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) November 11, 2026

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