The United Nations humanitarian chief has called on all parties involved in the Middle East war to allow aid ships safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, after fighting has brought maritime traffic to an almost complete halt.
On 13 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Tom Fletcher, UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, urged the conflicting parties in the Middle East war to permit humanitarian aid vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as fighting has severely disrupted navigation along this vital strategic route.
The statement said that aid shipments must be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that if disruptions continue, millions of people could face shortages of food and medical supplies, with the most vulnerable groups being the first to suffer.
Fletcher noted that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly stopped due to the conflict, which will drive up transportation costs and hinder delivery of essentials like food and medicine. He emphasized that direct talks with all involved parties are underway to pressure for the safe and unobstructed passage of humanitarian aid shipments.
Tensions in the region have escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 Feb 2026 GMT+7, resulting in hundreds of deaths and spreading conflict throughout the Persian Gulf region.
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