United Nations aid chief tom Fletcher has formally requested that Israel provide concrete evidence supporting it’s recent accusations of affiliation between United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) staff and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The demand comes in response to statements made by Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon at a UN Security Council meeting, where he declared OCHA had lost its neutrality and announced plans for extensive security vetting of hundreds of OCHA employees, along with a restriction of OCHA visas to one-month durations.
Ambassador danon asserted to the 15-member council that “clear evidence of Hamas affiliation within OCHA’s ranks” had been uncovered, though he did not present any supporting documentation at the time. In a letter addressed to the Security Council, fletcher emphasized the gravity of these claims, noting that this was the first instance of such concerns being raised and highlighting the important security implications for OCHA staff worldwide. “I expect the Israeli authorities to immediately share any evidence that led them to make such claims to the council,” Fletcher stated.
Fletcher further elaborated on OCHA’s operational mandate,explaining that the organization engages with all parties to armed conflicts globally to ensure humanitarian access,advocate for civilian protection,and promote adherence to humanitarian principles. He pointed out that, as Israeli authorities are aware, OCHA’s interactions with Hamas have also facilitated the release of hostages. Ambassador Danon reiterated Israel’s commitment to assisting civilians and delivering aid, but cautioned, “We will not work with organizations that have chosen politics over principles.”
The ongoing conflict in gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel that resulted in 1,200 fatalities and approximately 250 hostages taken, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Gaza health authorities report nearly 60,000 Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction across the enclave due to Israel’s military operations. Fletcher concluded his letter by underscoring the need to hold all parties accountable to international law, stating, “We do not choose between demanding the end to the starvation of civilians in Gaza and demanding the unconditional release of all the hostages.”
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