The United Nations has confirmed that over 90 aid trucks have entered Gaza via Gaza’s Kerem Shalom crossroads after an 3 days delay due to security concerns. This is the first major shipment of supplies essential to the region in three months and is amidst increasing anxiety over the humanitarian crisis that is raging in the region.
Background of the Delay
Over the past 11 weeks Gaza was stricken by severe restrictions on aid delivery and only a limited amount of access for humanitarian groups. Three days of delay made the situation worse of Gaza’s two million inhabitants who suffer from shortages of food and medical supplies.
What the Aid Trucks Carried
The trucks carried essential items like:
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Flour
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Baby formula
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Medical products
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Hygiene kits
Although this is a good thing, UN officials have warned that it is significantly less than the norm for 500 vehicles per day that had entered Gaza prior to the outbreak of conflict.
Humanitarian Situation Remains Critical
The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has reported that more than 500 000 Gazans are in danger of suffering from famine. Tragically, at least 29 children and older people have already passed away due to the effects of starvation.
Despite a few bakeries opening again using the flour that was recently delivered and other ingredients, it is clear that the delivery of assistance is affected due to ongoing fighting and logistical hurdles.
Aid Still Waiting at Borders
The World Food Programme (WFP) has stated that more than 140,000 tonnes of fresh food–equivalent to 6,000 trucks– are waiting at the border, waiting for delivery. Without a guarantee of secure access to these food items, they remain undeliverable.
Future Plans and Concerns
Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced the establishment in the form of humanitarian aid zones in the southern part of Gaza. Although the goal is to facilitate speedier delivery, aid groups have voiced concerns about the possibility that these zones be in violation of international humanitarian laws and further complicate logistics.
Global Reactions and Urgent Calls
A large international group, which includes numerous humanitarian organizations is continuing to call for steady, safe and uninterrupted aid delivery towards Gaza. With the threat of famine growing and infrastructure deteriorating, timely and consistent aid delivery is more vital than ever before.
Conclusion
The announcement of 90 trucks carrying aid to Gaza made it into Gaza provides an small ray of some hope However, the situation is in a state of crisis. A lot more needs to be done to deal with the severity of the situation.
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