Tom Fletcher: What I saw in Gaza was different from what I’ve seen in other conflict zones

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher said during a press conference at United Nations Headquarters in New York that what he saw in Gaza was different from what he had seen in any other conflict zone he had visited. He emphasized that despite preparing himself mentally and psychologically for the visit before heading to Gaza last January, he was shocked by the horror of what he saw, including fat dogs eating the bodies of Palestinians among the rubble.

He added: “I saw the destruction for miles and miles, and the shock was greater than I expected. The destruction in northern Gaza is more extensive than in the south.”

He spoke about the destruction of Gazans, including those working for the United Nations, and how many of them were unable to recognize their homes because they were covered in rubble and debris, and it was impossible to distinguish between them.

Fletcher expressed concern about the situation in the West Bank, noting that the facts on the ground are changing rapidly. He described what is happening as a humanitarian tragedy and emphasized the need to end impunity and hold accountable those who commit attacks on civilians and aid workers around the world.