UN humanitarian leader criticizes leaders for prioritizing power over conflict resolution

The United Nations humanitarian chief, Martin Griffiths, has raised concerns about the impact of political failures on humanitarian workers in conflict zones. In an interview with the Associated Press, Griffiths emphasized that leaders in war-torn countries are prioritizing political rivalries and power struggles over ending the fighting, leaving humanitarian workers to bear the consequences.

Griffiths’ comments come in the wake of reports that 200 relief workers have been killed in Gaza during the eighth-month conflict. One tragic incident in April saw seven workers from the charity World Central Kitchen killed in an Israeli strike while delivering food in the famine-stricken enclave.

Despite the challenges, Griffiths acknowledged that there are ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas. He noted that while there is no lack of political diplomacy on Gaza, the current efforts are not yielding the desired results.

Addressing Israel’s criticism of the United Nations for not delivering enough aid to Gaza, Griffiths described it as “quite a reach.” He pointed out that Israeli forces have hindered aid deliveries by blocking key border crossings, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Griffiths also highlighted the growing impact of climate change on humanitarian disasters, noting that it is now rivaling wars as a primary driver of catastrophe. After stepping down from his role at the United Nations, Griffiths plans to establish his own office to continue working on humanitarian issues.