The United Nations has announced that five trucks carrying essential nutritional supplies were allowed to cross into Gaza from Israel through the Kerem Shalom border today. However, the UN reported that the supplies have yet to be collected for distribution.
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In a recent statement, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher characterized the limited resumption of aid after an extensive 11-week blockade, amidst an uptick in military action, as “a welcome development,” yet stressed that it remains “a drop in the ocean” compared to the urgent needs on the ground.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared news of the temporary resumption of “basic” humanitarian assistance yesterday, as international pressure from the US and European nations mounted to alleviate the blockade that has escalated famine conditions in Gaza. “We must not reach a situation of famine, both from a practical and a diplomatic standpoint,” Mr. Netanyahu emphasized.
When questioned about the minimal aid efforts potentially serving as a mere propaganda tool for Israel, a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General acknowledged there were “physical and reputational risks” for the UN’s involvement but noted the organization could not afford the “luxury to say no.” “We will participate in aid that we’re able to distribute under our own principles,” spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated, reiterating, “we have a responsibility to the people of Gaza.”
Concerns persist, particularly as Israeli officials have long accused UN-distributed aid of being misappropriated by Hamas militants operating within Gaza. Just last week, the United States revealed plans to establish a new aid distribution system managed by private organizations, intended to be safeguarded by Israeli military forces—a proposal that the UN firmly rejected.
Mr. Fletcher condemned the initiative as “a fig leaf for further violence and displacement of Palestinians,” calling it “a cynical sideshow and a deliberate distraction” during a UN Security Council meeting last Tuesday. He posed a poignant question to council members, asking what they would tell future generations about their acts “to stop the 21st-century atrocity to which we bear daily witness in Gaza.” He became the first UN official to use the term “genocide” in relation to the conflict, urging, “Will you act – decisively – to prevent genocide and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law? Or will you say instead: we did all we could?”
The Israeli mission to the UN responded sharply, with Israel’s ambassador, Danny Danon, expressing outrage over what he deemed an unfounded charge of genocide. In a letter to Mr. Fletcher’s office, he accused the UN aid chief of “abandoning the principles of neutrality.”
Humanitarian conditions continue to worsen, as displaced Palestinians gather for food assistance from charities in Northern Gaza. In a joint statement, Ireland and 21 other donor nations urged Israel to “immediately allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza” following the limited lifting of its blockade. The Irish Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris, emphasized that while some signs of aid resumption were noted, the reality facing Gaza’s population is dire. “They face starvation and must receive the aid they desperately need,” he stated.
The signatories of the statement reaffirmed that “humanitarian aid should never be politicized, and Palestinian territory must not be subjected to any demographic change.” They sent a clear message to the Israeli government: “Allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organizations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering, and maintain dignity.” They also reiterated the urgent need for Hamas to release all remaining hostages and allow humanitarian assistance to flow unhindered.
As discussions continue, the international community stands united in advocating for a ceasefire and working towards a two-state solution, underscoring that this remains the only path to enduring peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Alongside Ireland, several nations, including Australia, Canada, and Germany, have expressed solidarity in this critical humanitarian issue. “Today, Israel is facilitating the entry of trucks with baby food into Gaza,” stated Eden Bar Tal, Israel’s foreign ministry director-general, adding that “in the coming days, Israel will facilitate the entry of dozens of aid trucks.”
Despite efforts to deliver assistance, UN agencies warn of severe shortages of essential supplies in Gaza. World Health Organization chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated, “The vast majority of Palestinians in Gaza are starving while tonnes of food are blocked at the border, just minutes away.” As international outcry grows regarding the blockade imposed since March, the situation remains critical for the enclave’s 2.3 million residents.
Amid escalating violence, Gaza’s civil defense agency reports at least 52 fatalities due to ongoing Israeli attacks, indicating the profound human cost of the conflict. “The Israeli bombardment on Gaza has continued since midnight,” civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal highlighted, noting the intensified military operations.
In a video message, Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s intent to maintain control over Gaza, pledging “complete victory” while addressing the humanitarian concerns that threaten to diminish international support. “To achieve victory, we have to somehow solve the problem,” he noted, mindful of the mounting pressure to address humanitarian needs while navigating political challenges within his government.
As tensions remain high, the tragic reality is relentless, with Palestinian health officials reporting over 500 deaths in just eight days as military operations escalate. The Israeli military continues its campaign, determined to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities and secure the safe return of hostages taken in the recent conflict. In the midst of chaos, one must ask: how can the international community best respond to a crisis that challenges our shared humanity?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
