Israeli Blockade Threatens Aid Deliveries to Famine-Stricken Northern Gaza
GAZA — As the five-month-long war in Gaza continues, Israeli forces are obstructing aid deliveries into the famine-stricken northern region. Despite recent demands from the top UN court and the Security Council for open aid access into the enclave, Israel remains adamant in restricting food shipments at border crossings.
Air drops by multiple nations attempting to deliver desperately needed aid have resulted in more than a dozen Palestinians losing their lives. Some died while trying to retrieve food packages from the sea, while others were struck by falling boxes of aid.
Continued Violence and Calls for Ceasefire
Reports from UN agencies on the ground indicate ongoing airstrikes and attacks in Gaza. Calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire are growing louder, with demands for Israel to comply with Security Council resolutions and the International Court of Justice orders.
The UN plans an assessment mission into Al-Shifa Hospital, which was occupied by Israel for two weeks, to evaluate the situation and provide medical assistance.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
Israeli Security Forces’ military operations have led to civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction of homes and infrastructure across the Gaza Strip. The Health Ministry reports over 32,000 deaths since the conflict began, with Hamas-led incursions into Israel resulting in further casualties and hostages.
UNRWA estimates that 1.2 million people are living in north Gaza, with the majority seeking refuge in shelters. Over 100 UNRWA schools have been damaged, hindering humanitarian efforts to aid displaced families.
Challenges in Aid Delivery
Access impediments by Israeli authorities are severely limiting humanitarian missions to Gaza. UNRWA is denied access to deliver emergency food assistance, exacerbating the crisis. Only a fraction of the required aid trucks are entering Gaza daily, falling short of operational targets.
UN agencies continue to provide essential food and commodities to millions of Gazans, but the situation remains dire. The UN World Food Program stresses the urgency of a ceasefire and full access to avoid further loss of life.
International Response
Efforts to dismantle UNRWA are met with strong opposition from the UN, emphasizing the agency’s critical role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians. WHO condemns attacks on hospitals in Gaza and calls for the protection of patients and health personnel.
As the humanitarian crisis escalates, the UN is mobilizing resources to assess the situation and provide assistance to those in need. The international community urges all parties to respect humanitarian law and prioritize the safety of civilians in conflict zones.
With the situation in Gaza worsening, immediate action is needed to address the growing humanitarian crisis and prevent further loss of life. The UN remains committed to providing aid and support to those affected by the conflict.
