UN Reports No Humanitarian Aid Reaches Gaza Amid ‘israeli’ Claims of Truck Entry
The United Nations has reported that no supplies have reached Palestinians, despite assertions from Israel that aid trucks have been permitted entry into the Gaza Strip.
According to reports, Israel has allowed a number of aid trucks entry into Gaza after facing international pressure in the wake of a three-month blockade on essential supplies. However, the relief efforts are currently stalled on the Palestinian side of the Karam Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing.
Israel announced last week that it would permit limited food supplies to enter Gaza, citing “diplomatic reasons” for the decision. This move is intended to alleviate international pressure that might lead to a ceasefire.
The military authorities of the regime reported that more than 90 aid trucks have entered the strip this week. In contrast, there has been no response from Israeli officials overseeing aid distribution in Gaza regarding whether the food and medical supplies on board have received authorization for distribution.
Simultaneously, humanitarian groups report that no assistance has been delivered.
The United Nations announced on Wednesday its ongoing efforts to distribute essential aid that has recently arrived in Gaza to the Palestinian population. However, the dissemination of this assistance is being hindered by potential looting threats and restrictions imposed by the Israeli military.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced that the majority of aid that has arrived since Monday has been loaded onto UN trucks. However, the aid remains stalled at the crossing zone as the Israeli-approved routes are considered too perilous. Efforts are underway to negotiate safer passage alternatives.
Dujarric highlighted that the incoming aid was merely “a drop in the ocean” in comparison to the extensive humanitarian response needed.
Food security experts have raised an alarm about an impending famine in Gaza should the siege persist. The situation is exacerbating as aid organizations ran out of food supplies weeks earlier. Almost the entire population of 2.3 million is reliant on community kitchens that are struggling to meet the demand.
On October 7, 2023, Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties. Reports from the Gaza health ministry indicate that approximately 54,000 Palestinians have lost their lives during this period.
In January, Israel reached a ceasefire agreement with Hamas after falling short of its objectives, including efforts to dismantle the Palestinian resistance movement and secure the release of captives.
The 42-day phase of the truce, which was disrupted by numerous Israeli breaches, concluded on March 1. However, Israel is hesitating to engage in negotiations for the subsequent phase of the agreement.
On March 18, the regime renewed its strikes on Gaza, effectively ending a nearly two-month ceasefire. Prior to resuming the offensive, Israel had imposed a comprehensive blockade on Gaza, obstructing the entry of food, medical supplies, and goods into the beleaguered enclave.
The Gaza Government Media Office has reported that 300 lives have been lost due to starvation and medical shortages. This number includes 58 individuals who succumbed to acute malnutrition and 242 who perished from the absence of food and medical supplies.
Israel is facing international condemnation for allegedly employing starvation tactics as a weapon of war against Palestinians.
