UN Aid Chief Warns of 'Directing Humanitarian Impact' from Middle East Tensions

JAKARTA - United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher warned on Tuesday that escalating violence across the Middle East was draining the resources and political will needed to save lives as civilians and aid operations bore the brunt of a rapidly worsening crisis.

"The humanitarian impact of the increased violence in the Middle East is becoming more dire," Fletcher said in a statement, adding "attacks hit homes, hospitals, and schools" across Iran, Lebanon, Syria, the occupied Palestinian territories, Israel, and several Gulf countries, Anadolu reported (4/3).

In the occupied Palestinian territory, Fletcher said access restrictions had "restricted the entry of life-saving supplies and limited humanitarian operations."

"Although the Kerem Shalom crossing has been reopened for fuel and supplies, all other crossings, including Rafah, remain closed," he said.

He reported that more than 18,000 patients, including 4,000 children, did not have access to specialized medical care because evacuations were still suspended.

In Lebanon, Israeli attacks have reportedly killed more than 50 people and injured more than 150 others, with more than 60,000 people taking refuge in collective shelters across the country.

Further, Fletcher also highlighted the ripple effects outside the immediate conflict zone, saying in Afghanistan, almost 22 million people are already in need of humanitarian support, and regional escalation risks exacerbating a severe food crisis.

In Pakistan, "major instability in Iran could trigger a large-scale movement of people," Fletcher warned.

Recalling the crises that have weighed on aid operations globally, Fletcher said: "If energy lines or maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz continue to be disrupted, food prices will soar, health systems will be stressed, and basic supplies will become more scarce."

Stressing that the international system is increasingly "fractured" and countries are increasing "spending on buying and selling weapons," he warned "more wars risk draining the funding, political will, and diplomatic energy needed to save lives."

The UN aid chief added, "international law remains the best protector against the vicious cycle of violence and war."