‘Further setbacks’: UN urges full implementation of Gaza ceasefire
United Nations Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher has urged all parties to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire deal, asserting that “Palestinians, Israelis and people across the region want this peace to take hold”.
“Earlier this week, we were able to kick off our humanitarian scale-up after months of frustration and blockages. Food, medicine, fuel, water, cooking gas and tents got through to those who need them,” he said in a statement posted on X.
However, Fletcher noted that on Tuesday, the organisation faced “further setbacks to the implementation”.
“We are now tested to see whether we can ensure that these do not prevent the progress on which President Trump, the UN Secretary-General and so many leaders have insisted,” he asserted.
Israel notified the United Nations on Tuesday that it will only allow 300 aid trucks – half of the number it originally agreed to – daily into the Gaza Strip from Wednesday.
Fletcher called on Israel, as it had agreed, to allow the “massive surge” of humanitarian aid, some thousands of trucks a week.
“We need more crossings open and a genuine, practical, problem-solving approach to removing remaining obstacles,” the UN aid chief added.
Israel's forced starvation campaign against Palestinians in Gaza means that people often face extremely crowded conditions trying to access what little food is available. 10-year-old Ahmed suffered burns from hot lentils at a takiya, and he misses fresh fruits and vegetables. pic.twitter.com/7hlGdklLtU
— Defense for Children (@DCIPalestine) October 15, 2025
