Pakistan Denounces Gaza Aid System as Death Trap and Calls for UN-Led Relief Restoration

Download IPFS

Pakistan’s envoy to the United Nations (UN) labeled Gaza’s current aid system a “death trap” for civilians on July 16, 2025, urging the restoration of UN-led relief channels to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. The statement reflects Pakistan’s firm stance against a flawed aid mechanism amid Gaza’s dire conditions. This article examines Pakistan’s critique, the Gaza crisis, and the call for global action.

Speaking at a UN Security Council (UNSC) briefing, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, condemned the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israel-backed aid system, for its dangerous inefficiencies. “The system has morphed into a death trap,” Ahmad declared, noting that over 400 Palestinians have died seeking aid since the GHF’s inception in May 2025, per UN reports. He highlighted how the dismantling of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) framework has forced civilians into combat zones for meager supplies, violating international humanitarian law. Ahmad urged an immediate ceasefire and unhindered aid access through UNRWA, as reported by Arab News.

The Gaza crisis, worsened by an Israeli blockade since March 2025, has left 2.1 million people facing acute food insecurity, with 470,000 at risk of famine, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP). The GHF’s limited distribution sites, secured by armed contractors, have led to chaos and violence, with 31 killed in a single incident near Rafah on June 2, per Gaza’s Health Ministry. UNRWA’s Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called the system “humiliating,” forcing desperate civilians to travel miles under fire, as noted on X. Pakistan’s call aligns with UN officials demanding accountability and an end to militarized aid.

Pakistan’s bold stance underscores its commitment to Palestinian rights and humanitarian principles, contrasting with some nations’ reluctance to challenge Israel’s policies. The push for UN-led relief reflects a broader demand for sovereignty and justice in global crises. As Gaza teeters on collapse, Pakistan’s leadership in advocating for a ceasefire and restored aid channels highlights the need for decisive international action to save lives and restore dignity.