New Delhi, May 23: A limited number of aid trucks have begun entering Gaza after Israel slightly relaxed its 11-week-long blockade. On Friday, about 130 lorries carrying food, medicine, and basic supplies crossed into the Gaza Strip, officials and the UN said. But humanitarian agencies and local residents say this is not nearly enough to meet the growing needs of the population.
Before the conflict began, an average of 500 trucks entered Gaza every day, supplying essential goods like flour, drinking water, essential food items and medical items. Now, the United Nations says that at least 600 aid trucks are needed daily just to begin addressing the crisis. Instead, only a fraction of that number is allowed.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is growing more severe by the day. Reports from Gaza’s health authorities say nearly 30 people have died in the past week from causes linked to hunger. Malnutrition is becoming widespread, especially among children and infants. Many mothers say they can no longer breastfeed due to lack of food and water. Israel despite global appeals denies there is a food shortage, but UN agencies and local aid workers warn that the territory is nearing famine.
Fuel is another urgent problem. Without fuel, water pumps and sanitation systems are breaking down. Israel cut electricity to Gaza’s desalination plants earlier this year to pressure Hamas to release hostages, leaving large parts of the region without clean drinking water. Many families have been forced to drink salty or contaminated water, leading to a rise in stomach illnesses and kidney problems. Doctors in Gaza are reporting growing numbers of patients with serious health conditions caused by unsafe water.
International concern over the crisis is increasing. This week, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a joint statement criticising Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. They described the scale of the attacks as “disproportionate” and said the humanitarian conditions were “intolerable.” These countries have called on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza and take greater care to protect civilians. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticised these leaders, accusing them of supporting Hamas by opposing Israel’s actions. He said their statements suggest they want Hamas to remain in power and accused them of siding with “murderers and kidnappers.” The leaders of the UK, France, and Canada have not publicly responded to his remarks. The UK has since suspended trade talks with Israel and imposed new sanctions on some Israeli settlers.
Tensions rose further after two Israeli embassy staff were shot and killed outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. A suspect has been arrested, but the incident has added to the already intense atmosphere.
The United Nations says Gaza is now in the “cruellest phase” of the war, with around 9,000 aid trucks waiting at the border. Without immediate access to food, fuel, and clean water, the entire population of Gaza, around 2 million people are at risk. For now, the trickle of aid that is getting through remains far from enough to prevent a worsening humanitarian disaster.
