On May 29, Administrator Samantha Power spoke with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag. Administrator Power also spoke on May 29 with UN Deputy Special Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator/Resident Coordinator (DSC/RC/HC) Muhannad Hadi. Both conversations underscored the critical role of the UN in the humanitarian response to the crisis in Gaza, as well as the importance of efforts to improve humanitarian access so that significantly more assistance can reach civilians in need. Since President Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke last Friday, more than 1,800 aid and commercial trucks moved through Kerem Shalom, including from Egypt as well as through Erez West via Ashdod and Jordan. While this is progress, distribution by the UN and other partners is hampered by military operations.
In her conversation with Senior Coordinator Kaag, Administrator Power commended the UN's efforts to scale and accelerate the amount of lifesaving aid provided to the people of Gaza, in line with Security Council Resolution 2720. They spoke about how escalating IDF hostilities in Rafah are exacerbating already dire humanitarian needs, and addressing the increasingly constrained ability of the UN to operate in Gaza. Administrator Power and Senior Coordinator Kaag also discussed the need to increase the throughput of all entry points, the importance of diversity of goods needed for the civilian population, and the need to ensure all entry points are open and operating at maximum capacity. The Administrator and Senior Coordinator discussed UN coordination to further expand aid from Jordan and Senior Coordinator Kaag's efforts to support the humanitarian maritime corridor, which includes UN agencies' leadership on logistics, prioritization, and donor coordination.
During her meeting with DSC/RC/HC Hadi, Administrator Power shared appreciation for his leadership to maximize the capability of each of the UN agencies that are operational in Gaza and for the efforts of UN and NGO staff who, at great personal risk, are working around the clock to save lives and alleviate suffering. They discussed the increasing humanitarian needs following the escalation of IDF hostilities in Rafah and disruptions to the UN's operations there. Additionally, they spoke about continued efforts to establish effective mechanisms for aid delivery throughout Gaza, as well as the UN's efforts to improve the safety and security of humanitarian actors to ensure assistance reaches the intended recipients.
