The Head Of UN Aid Demands Israel To Provide Evidence After Accuses His Staff Of Hamas

Israeli Military in Gaza Strip, Palestine (Source: IDF)

JAKARTA - The head of UN aid, Tom Fletcher, has demanded Israel to provide evidence on allegations of a UN Office staff for Humanitarian Affairs Coordination (OCHA) affiliated with Palestinian militant Hamas.

It was as stated in a letter seen by Reuters on Friday. Fletcher's letter was sent to the UN Security Council on Thursday, saying Israel's ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon's statement was the first time such concerns surfaced and the allegations were "very serious and had security implications for our staff".

"I hope the Israeli authorities will immediately share any evidence that prompted them to file the claim to the council," Fletcher said, quoted by The National July 28.

He noted that around the world, OCHA is working with all parties in armed conflict to secure humanitarian access, urge the protection of civilians, and encourage respect for humanitarian principles.

"As the Israeli authorities know, our contacts with Hamas have also supported the release of hostages," he added.

Earlier, Danond at a UN DK meeting on Wednesday last week stated that Fletcher and OCHA were no longer neutral, hundreds of OCHA employees would be checked for security.

"Israel will also limit OCHA visas to one month," he said.

"Israel has found clear evidence of Hamas affiliates within the OCHA ranks," Danon told the 15-member council, without providing evidence.

"Israel is committed to helping civilians and providing assistance to those in need," said Danon.

"We will not cooperate with organizations that prioritize politics over principles," said Danon.

The war in Gaza broke out on October 7, 2023, when Hamas killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and held about 250 people hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, Israel's military campaign has killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health authorities, and destroyed most of the enclave.

"We have to make sure all parties comply with international legal standards in this conflict," Fletcher wrote in his letter.

"We do not choose between demanding an end to hunger for civilians in Gaza and demanding the unconditional release of all hostages," he said.

Israel, which controls all supplies entering Gaza, denies responsibility for food shortages, despite reports of dozens of deaths from hunger and malnutrition and repeated warnings from international aid organizations.