United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the dire humanitarian needs of Gaza, stating that Israel has authorized only “a teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required.” Guterres reiterated that the UN will not participate in a new U.S.-backed distribution plan, highlighting the organization’s commitment to impartiality in addressing humanitarian crises.
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“Without rapid, reliable, safe, and sustained aid access, more people will die—and the long-term consequences for the entire population will be profound,” he conveyed to reporters. This statement underscores the urgency of the situation on the ground.
Since the lifting of an 11-week blockade on Gaza, Israel reports that approximately 300 trucks have passed through the Kerem Shalom crossing. However, Guterres noted that only about one-third of those loads have actually reached warehouses in Gaza due to ongoing security concerns.
While Israel has permitted brief aid deliveries by the UN and other organizations until a new distribution model, managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), is established by month-end, the UN has expressed concerns over this model and has opted out of involvement. Guterres stated, “We will not take part in any scheme that fails to respect international law and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality.”
The UN has prepared a plan to deliver essential supplies to Gaza, with 160,000 pallets—enough to fill nearly 9,000 trucks—waiting to be distributed. “This is my appeal for life-saving aid for the long-suffering people of Gaza: Let’s do it right. And let’s do it right away,” he stated emphatically.
Tragically, recent airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least six Palestinians who were guarding aid trucks, according to Hamas officials. This highlights the significant challenges faced in delivering supplies to those in need following the blockade.
Despite reports of 107 aid trucks entering Gaza carrying food and medical supplies, the distribution remains inconsistent. Reports from an umbrella network of Palestinian aid groups indicated that only 119 trucks have actually made it into Gaza since the blockade was eased, complicating the already desperate situation. “They stole food meant for children and families suffering from severe hunger,” the network remarked, also condemning the airstrikes targeting security teams.
The aid groups further criticized the current flow of assistance, describing it as inadequate and consisting of a limited range of supplies. The UN World Food Programme corroborated this concern, informing that 15 trucks loaded with flour designated for WFP-supported bakeries had been looted. “Hunger, desperation, and anxiety over whether more food aid is coming contribute to rising insecurity,” the WFP noted, urging for expedited and increased volumes of aid to alleviate the crisis.
Recent international commentary reflects a growing consensus regarding the need for immediate humanitarian action. A spokesperson for the German government stated, “The aid is far too little, too late, and too slow,” stressing the urgency of enhancing delivery procedures.
Meanwhile, WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan warned that 2.1 million individuals in Gaza are “in imminent danger of death,” calling for an end to starvation and the restoration of the healthcare system. Dr. Tom Potokar, a British plastic surgeon in Gaza, highlighted the dire conditions, where people have been without essential food items like meat, fruit, and vegetables for months, relying mainly on rice and pasta.
As the international community grapples with the complexities of this situation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a firm stance, accusing global leaders of wanting to assist Hamas amidst escalating pressure on Israel regarding the conflict in Gaza. “You’re on the wrong side of humanity and you’re on the wrong side of history,” he asserted, indicating the heightened tensions surrounding the humanitarian and political ramifications of the ongoing crisis.
In conclusion, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands urgent attention and action to ensure that aid is delivered effectively and equitably to those who need it most.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
