Despite calls from international leaders and humanitarian organizations, the flow of aid into the Gaza Strip remains severely restricted, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. Israel has announced the establishment of additional inspection checkpoints for humanitarian trucks entering Gaza, but these measures are unlikely to significantly impact the volume of aid reaching the besieged enclave.
The Rafah crossing, the sole entry point for limited aid into Gaza, has been unable to handle the increasing number of vehicles seeking entry. As a result, trucks are forced to detour through Egypt to reach their destination. The recent destruction of roads in southern Gaza due to Israel’s assault further hampers the delivery of aid, raising concerns for the safety of those involved.
In response to the mounting pressure, Israel has stated that it will conduct security screenings of aid at the Kerem Shalom crossing before allowing trucks to proceed through Rafah. The Israeli army and COGAT, the defense ministry body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, have emphasized that this measure aims to improve security screenings and double the volume of humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
Currently, only about 100 trucks cross into Gaza through Rafah daily, which falls short of the UN’s recommended minimum of 200 trucks necessary to meet the basic needs of the population. Prior to the war, this number stood at 500. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has described a deteriorating situation in which desperate Palestinians have resorted to looting aid distribution centers and stopping trucks on roads to secure supplies for their families.
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, has called for urgent action to end the “hell on earth” in Gaza. Meanwhile, Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian affairs coordinator, has expressed concerns about the safety of aid workers operating in the volatile region. He emphasized that the current situation does not align with the typical characteristics of a humanitarian operation, which requires dependability and safety for both aid workers and the people they serve.
The United Nations General Assembly will convene to discuss the humanitarian crisis and advocate for a pause in hostilities. This follows the United States’ veto of a UN Security Council resolution for a truce last week.
The limited access to aid and worsening conditions in Gaza continue to raise concerns about the well-being of the population. Urgent action is needed to address the growing humanitarian crisis and ensure the delivery of essential supplies to those in need.
