In a statement released on Tuesday, the 15-member council called on all parties to collaborate with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag.
Earlier in the day, Kaag emphasized the irreplaceable role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in providing crucial assistance to Gaza. She stated, "There is no way any organization can replace or substitute the tremendous capacity and the fabric of UNRWA and its ability and knowledge."
The remarks followed funding suspensions for UNRWA by several countries, including the US, prompted by Israeli accusations involving 12 of the agency's staff members in the October 7 operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group.
Kaag warned that the absence of a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza is impeding aid efforts and stressed the need to increase the flow of commercial goods into the blockaded Palestinian territory, in addition to humanitarian assistance. She added, "There will be no recovery, let alone reconstruction in the future, without that broad bandwidth."
The World Health Organization (WHO) echoed concerns, stating that defunding UNRWA could worsen the already dire situation for over 2 million people in Gaza. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier called the funding dispute a "distraction from what's really going on every day" and highlighted the urgent needs of the population.
UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that aid cuts to UNRWA would be felt within weeks in Gaza, urging continued support. He stated, "Civilians in Gaza who are suffering need the continued support of everyone. The critical humanitarian work the UN does not only in Gaza, (but) in the region, needs to be supported. People’s lives depend on it."
Israel initiated its actions in Gaza on October 7. The Tel Aviv regime's offensive has resulted in significant casualties, prompting an emergency interim ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday, directing Israel to prevent genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The ICJ specified measures to limit death and destruction, prevent and punish incitement to genocide, and ensure access to humanitarian aid.