UN Establishes New Land Route to Deliver Aid to Northern Gaza
In a groundbreaking move, the UN has successfully utilized a new land route to deliver essential food supplies to northern Gaza after a three-week hiatus.
Israeli Military Facilitates Aid Delivery
The Israeli military facilitated the delivery by allowing six lorries from the World Food Programme to cross through a gate in the Gaza border fence. This initiative was described as “part of a pilot to prevent Hamas from taking over the aid,” according to military sources.
Global Pressure Mounts on Israel
As the Palestinian territory faces the looming threat of famine amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas, there has been increasing global pressure on Israel to allow more access for aid deliveries. A boat carrying 200 tonnes of food aid also departed from Cyprus, marking the inauguration of a new maritime corridor into Gaza.
Challenges Remain for Aid Distribution
While new routes are being established, it has been noted that road access remains the most efficient means of delivering urgently needed supplies to Gaza. The UN reported that the recent convoy was able to reach Gaza City and provide food for 25,000 people, thanks to an Israeli military road along the border fence.
Urgent Need for Assistance in Gaza
The UN has highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, with approximately 576,000 people – a quarter of the population – on the brink of famine. The plight is particularly severe for the 300,000 individuals isolated in the northern region, where access has been restricted due to various challenges.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
Tragically, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has reported at least 27 deaths, mostly children, due to malnutrition and dehydration in hospitals. Israel maintains that there are no limits to aid delivery and shifts blame to UN agencies for distribution challenges.
Efforts Towards Ceasefire
Amidst the deepening humanitarian crisis, mediators from Qatar and Egypt are actively working to broker a truce between Israel and Hamas. The conflict, which began with Hamas attacks in October, has resulted in devastating casualties on both sides.
Source: BBC
