Israel's Blockade of Aid Delivery Deepens Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis

The Gaza government's media office has condemned Israel’s obstruction of the agreed-upon “minimal” aid delivery under the ceasefire agreement, stating that the aid entering Gaza remains far below what was required. Over the past three weeks, only 8,500 trucks have entered Gaza, instead of the 12,000 that were agreed upon. Additionally, only 2,916 trucks have reached northern Gaza, well below the 6,000 needed.

Most of the aid consists of food and non-essential items like chips and chocolate, while critical supplies, such as mobile units, tents, and medical equipment, remain scarce. Only 10% of the promised tents have arrived, leaving hundreds of thousands without shelter during the cold season. Furthermore, the delivery of fuel for hospitals and essential facilities has been severely limited, with only 15 trucks arriving daily, far below the 50 that were agreed upon.

The Gaza media office warned that Israel's delays are exacerbating the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and urged the ceasefire negotiators to pressure Israel to implement the humanitarian protocols in the agreement.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has also highlighted that the daily aid entering Gaza is insufficient. Before the escalation in October 2023, 500 trucks entered Gaza daily. Now, only 600 trucks are entering, despite the urgent need. NRC's Shaina Low emphasized delays in the approval of essential supplies, including medical materials.

UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, stated that the scale of destruction in Gaza “exceeds my worst fears.” Fletcher, who visited Gaza, emphasized that humanitarian efforts are mobilizing massive aid, but more support is needed to continue these life-saving operations.

The ongoing Israeli military offensive, which began in October 2023, has claimed at least 47,583 lives and left over 111,633 injured, mostly women and children. The conflict has caused significant destruction across Gaza, with no clear objectives achieved by the Israeli regime, leading to the ceasefire agreement on January 15, 2025.

Source : Safa News