The United Nations has appointed Sigrid Kaag, a senior Dutch politician and experienced diplomat, to oversee essential aid cargo entering into war-torn Gaza. This appointment fulfills a crucial role called for in a Security Council resolution adopted last week.
In his statement, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced that Kaag, the Dutch finance minister and deputy prime minister, will serve as the senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza. The Security Council resolution outlined the coordinator’s responsibilities, including consulting relevant parties on aid shipments and overseeing the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Kaag, a veteran U.N. diplomat, previously led an international team of weapons experts overseeing the elimination of Syria’s chemical stockpile. She will work to facilitate, coordinate, monitor, and verify humanitarian relief consignments for Gaza, as well as establish a mechanism to accelerate aid delivery through countries not involved in the conflict.
The U.S. State Department expressed its support for coordinating with Kaag and the UN Office for Project Services to expedite the delivery of humanitarian relief to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The Security Council resolution emphasizes the urgent need for safe, unhindered humanitarian access and a sustainable cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
Amid global outrage over the humanitarian crisis and rising death toll in Gaza, the U.S. abstained from the Security Council resolution, which was drafted by the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. and Israel oppose a ceasefire, arguing that it would benefit Hamas, and instead support pauses in fighting to protect civilians and free hostages taken by Hamas.