“Implement the ceasefire,” demanded UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher on Wednesday, as he condemned the “horrifying scenes” of Gazans being killed while seeking food aid. His urgent plea highlights the critical need for a cessation of hostilities to protect civilians and enable effective humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip.

The demand for a ceasefire comes amidst a spiraling humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the temporary closure of facilities operated by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This decision followed a string of deadly incidents near its distribution centers, including the tragic killing of 27 people in southern Gaza on Tuesday. The Israeli army has also designated roads to these centers as “combat zones.”

Fletcher unequivocally stated that the civilian deaths are the “outcome of a series of deliberate choices that have systematically deprived two million people of the essentials they need to survive.” He highlighted the overwhelming burden on emergency medical teams and the systemic nature of the crisis.

Echoing UN chief Antonio Guterres, Fletcher demanded immediate independent investigations and accountability. He also called for the “open[ing of] the crossings — all of them,” and the lifting of all restrictions on aid to enable the UN to deliver critical assistance at scale and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.