Intense Israeli attack in Gaza leaves 27 dead, while aid distribution remains limited
In the embattled Gaza Strip, aid trucks are failing to enter the region in sufficient numbers, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The primary reason for this shortfall is the ongoing Israeli blockade and stringent control over access points, which drastically restrict the flow of humanitarian and commercial cargo. Since March 2024, Israeli authorities have largely closed access points and prohibited most aid, allowing only limited quantities of medical and nutritional supplies through a select few crossings like Kerem Shalom [1].
Restrictions also limit the number of trucks and drivers, as well as the movement of aid workers inside Gaza, significantly hindering effective aid distribution. Although some aid trucks have been allowed during brief "tactical pauses" in fighting, including aid shipments from Egypt and Jordan, the overall volume remains critically low compared to the needs [2]. Ships attempting to break the blockade with humanitarian cargo have been intercepted by the Israeli military, with their cargo seized and activists detained, further curtailing aid delivery by sea [4].
Recent reports indicate that only a small fraction of the required aid trucks—such as just 73 on a recent day—have entered Gaza, despite acute starvation and worsening conditions [4]. Critical supplies such as fuel, cooking gas, shelter materials, and hygiene products remain largely blocked, worsening the humanitarian crisis because fuel shortages impact hospitals, water supply, and food preparation [1].
The ongoing conflict has seen numerous incidents of violence, with Israeli forces opening fire on Palestinians waiting for aid near distribution centers, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's media office described these actions as part of a broader policy of "engineered chaos and starvation" by Israel [3].
The office of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has condemned the continued closure of border crossings and the deliberate starvation campaign, holding Israel and its allies "fully responsible" for the worsening humanitarian catastrophe. They demand the immediate reopening of all crossings and the urgent entry of sufficient food, fuel, and infant formula [5]. According to authorities, a minimum of 600 aid and fuel trucks must enter the enclave every day to meet urgent needs across the health, food, and service sectors, all of which have collapsed in the war [6].
However, the relentless bombing by Israel has destroyed much of the Gaza enclave and led to severe food shortages and deaths by starvation. At least 27 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and gunfire in Gaza early Saturday, with 16 of the deceased waiting for humanitarian aid [7]. The US envoy, Steve Witkoff, spent a few hours in Gaza on Friday to gain a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid to the people of Gaza [8].
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the ongoing conflict and Israeli blockade causing widespread suffering and hardship. The international community must urgently address these issues to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and bring much-needed aid to the people of Gaza.
References:
- Al Jazeera
- The Guardian
- Middle East Eye
- Reuters
- Ma'an News Agency
- The New York Times
- BBC News
- CNN
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened due to the insufficient number of aid trucks entering the region, as a result of the Israeli blockade and control over access points, leading to a shortage of supplies like fuel, cooking gas, shelter materials, and hygiene products.
- In addition to the Israeli blockade, restrictions on the number of trucks, drivers, and aid workers within Gaza have significantly hindered effective distribution of aid.
- Lastly, attempts to deliver aid by sea have been intercepted by the Israeli military, further limiting the delivery of essential supplies.
- The ongoing conflict, Israeli actions, and blockade have been criticized as contributing to a deliberate starvation campaign, causing widespread acute starvation and worsening conditions in the Gaza Strip.
