UN official: Kuwait plays crucial role in supporting Gaza relief efforts

By Mohammad Al-Mutairi KUWAIT, Oct 8 (KUNA) -- The crucial role played by the State of Kuwait in supporting relief aid efforts in the Gaza Strip has led to saving lives despite the appalling conditions in the war-torn enclave, said UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, on Wednesday.
In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and Kuwait Television, Fletcher said that Kuwait's air bridge to the Gaza Strip was evidence of its relentless efforts to help those in need.
A partner like Kuwait, with its readiness to answer the call to save lives, is vital for global humanitarian efforts, he added, deeming the country was a recognized "force" in the diplomatic and humanitarian domains worldwide.
The UN official said it was a "great honor" to have met the Kuwaiti political leadership during his visit, adding that exploring avenues of cooperation with Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) would enhance UN-Kuwaiti partnership.
In regard to the two-year war on the Gaza Strip, which resulted in huge human loss, casualties, and destruction, Fletcher pointed out that Kuwait had worked to ensure the flow of basic humanitarian aid to the Palestinians, especially those heavily affected by the aggression.
He added that UN teams have difficulties in delivering aid with the ongoing military operations, stressing that a ceasefire was required to enable material to reach the Gazans.
Fletcher also said that bureaucracy and administrative restrictions were another hurdle to overcome when it came to aid delivery.
The UN depended on support from partners including Kuwait to push for a ceasefire, which would result in humanitarian aid delivery, he affirmed.
The UN official also stressed it was vital to answer calls for aid, saying that the rapid response from Kuwait and other nations was vital in saving human lives.
The international community is "failing" in providing protection to citizens in the Gaza Strip and this is an important right for all civilians across the globe, he affirmed.
It is vital to boost efforts on the level of the UNSC and the global community to bring about a lasting ceasefire and ensuring delivery of aid without obstruction, added Fletcher who called for reviving the peace process and the two-state solution to bring about stability and sustainable development to all people of the region. (end) md.gta