Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies Due to Iran War and Rising Fuel Costs

The ongoing conflict in Iran is significantly affecting global humanitarian efforts, as highlighted by Jan Egeland, the Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Egeland stated that the war has led to skyrocketing energy prices, which in turn have increased operational costs for aid organizations. He noted that the price of diesel fuel has doubled in some regions, complicating logistics for delivering aid. The NRC operates 1,500 vehicles that rely on diesel, and the rising costs are making it increasingly difficult to provide essential services such as food and healthcare to displaced populations.

The Straits Times

Egeland emphasized that the financial strain is not limited to transportation; the costs of running generators for schools and hospitals have also surged. As a result, the NRC anticipates that it will be able to assist fewer people this year, despite a growing demand for aid. He pointed out that funding from many donor countries has been redirected towards defense budgets, further exacerbating the situation.

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The NRC has been active in the occupied Palestinian territories since 2009, including during the recent Gaza conflict. Egeland mentioned that the Israeli Supreme Court had temporarily blocked the government from shutting down the operations of various aid organizations, including the NRC. However, the NRC has lost its registration with Israeli authorities, limiting its ability to send international staff to Gaza. Currently, the organization is managing operations remotely from Amman, Jordan, while local staff continue to work on the ground.

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Egeland praised U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza, describing it as "wonderful" for having halted large-scale violence. However, he expressed concern that the situation remains precarious, stating, "We are now frozen in some halfway house where Israel is still militarily there." He criticized the ongoing destruction of homes and the lack of access for aid groups, asserting that the peace process is in jeopardy.

The Straits Times

Egeland's remarks underscore the dire humanitarian conditions exacerbated by the Iran war and rising fuel costs. He stated, "Through this year, fewer people will get assistance because of the cost increase," reflecting the urgent need for a reevaluation of funding priorities among donor nations.

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Critics of the current humanitarian response argue that the situation in Gaza is untenable, with Israel controlling all access to the region and denying allegations of withholding supplies from its residents. Egeland's comments highlight the complexities of the peace process, suggesting that the Trump peace plan is "in grave danger" due to the ongoing military presence and lack of disarmament of groups like Hamas.

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• "We have 1,500 vehicles in our operations; they run on diesel. In some countries, it's twice the cost now to run those." — Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council

The Straits Times

• "Through this year, fewer people will get assistance because of the cost increase." — Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council

The Straits Times

• "We are now frozen in some halfway house where Israel is still militarily there." — Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council

The Straits Times

• "This is no peace. This is no implementation. The Trump peace plan is in grave danger." — Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council

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