Tom Fletcher participated in a meeting of leaders on the peace plan proposed by the United States; he called for all bodies of deceased hostages to be returned by Hamas and for Israeli forces to remove obstacles to the delivery of assistance.
Just days ago, leaders from around the world gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to endorse US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace initiative.
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Aid, Tom Fletcher, participated in the event and after speaking with many of these leaders declared that “this is a moment of great, but fragile, hope”.
“The world has failed many times before”
He stated that it is necessary to fully comply with the implementation of the agreements signed. For the UN aid chief, “the real test of these agreements is to ensure that families are safe and reunited, that children are fed, sheltered and return to school.”
Fletcher highlighted that this is the time to ensure that Palestinians and Israelis can “look to the future with greater security, justice and opportunity.”
He added that “the world has failed many times before” regarding this conflict and cannot fail this time.
The deputy secretary-general explained that at the beginning of this week it was possible to begin expanding the humanitarian response, “after months of frustration and blockages”.
Food, medicine, fuel, water, cooking gas and tents have reached the people who need them most.
Bread is distributed at a bakery in Nuseirat, Gaza | WFP/Maxime Le Lijour
Bodies of hostages held and aid blocked
Fletcher also mentioned setbacks and insisted that the Hamas movement “must make rigorous efforts to urgently return all the bodies of the deceased hostages.” He also said he was “deeply concerned” about evidence of violence against civilians in Gaza.
For Israel, Fletcher called for more open crossing points and a “genuine, practical and problem-solving” approach to remove remaining obstacles. He stated that “withholding aid from civilians is not a bargaining chip and that facilitating assistance is a legal obligation.”
The UN has presented a 60-day plan for a massive scale-up of vital aid and Fletcher is in the region to coordinate implementation. He stated that the aim is to “provide neutral and principled assistance with maximum efficiency, ensuring that support reaches civilians and not armed groups.”
Summary executions
On Wednesday, the UN Human Rights Office reported allegations of serious abuses in Gaza, including summary executions and unlawful killings of civilians.
According to the note, armed conflicts between groups affiliated with Hamas and rival factions have intensified since October 10.
On October 13, video footage released by the Sahm Unit, allegedly linked to the Gaza Ministry of Interior, showed the public execution of eight blindfolded and handcuffed men, alleged members of a militia based in Gaza City.
The Human Rights Office added that such acts “amount to a war crime” and reminded Hamas that it “must prevent and suppress any violations or abuses committed by its members.”
On the other hand, Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on Palestinians trying to return to their homes in eastern Gaza City on October 14, killing three. The UN body said it had recorded 15 Palestinian deaths in similar incidents since October 10.
Originally published by ONU News on 10/16/2025
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/10/17/onu-mundo-nao-pode-falhar-de-novo-com-conflito-em-gaza/
