The United Nations has stated that, despite the recent entry of aid trucks into Gaza, no assistance has been allocated to those in need. This revelation comes as international scrutiny of Israel's military actions increases. The UK and EU are reassessing trade relations in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with warnings from UN officials about impending disaster, particularly for children suffering from malnutrition.
UN Reports No Aid Delivered in Gaza Amid Rising International Pressure on Israel
UN Reports No Aid Delivered in Gaza Amid Rising International Pressure on Israel
Despite some aid trucks entering Gaza after an 11-week blockade, the UN confirms no aid has been distributed, heightening concerns over the humanitarian crisis.
The UN has reported that, as aid lorries crossed the border into Gaza following an 11-week blockade, no assistance had been allocated to the local population. While Israeli officials confirmed the arrival of 93 trucks laden with essential supplies including food and medical provisions, the UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed frustration at being unable to distribute these supplies due to restrictions on access.
Israel agreed to ease the blockade during the past weekend, amid growing warnings from international experts about the risks of famine unfolding in Gaza. Escalating global pressure, particularly from the UK, has led to the halting of trade negotiations, which UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labeled "morally unjustifiable." Moreover, the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated that the bloc would explore alterations to its trade agreement with Israel in response to its military strategy.
Dujarric described the arrival of supplies as a mere "drop in the ocean" compared to what is required, noting that aid organizations estimate that around 600 trucks must arrive each day to avert the humanitarian crisis enveloping Gaza. Concerns were voiced by UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher on the future of thousands of infants, as he projected that approximately 14,000 babies are at imminent risk of death unless urgent aid can reach them.
In further comments, Fletcher noted that while there are teams on the ground providing aid in medical centers and schools, no clarifying data was offered on the grim predictions. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs emphasized that many infants face life-threatening malnutrition unless supplies are delivered to their mothers.
Reports have surfaced about the mortality of children due to malnutrition, with 57 child fatalities documented in a report by the Hamas-run health ministry over the past eleven weeks. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Israel's decision to allow limited aid flow into Gaza, while acknowledging it was not enough.
In response to the dire situation, the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada jointly urged Israel to cease military operations and permit the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. Israel initiated its military campaign following Hamas's attacks on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the hostage-taking of 251 more. Reports from Gaza's health ministry indicate that over 53,000 individuals have been killed since hostilities escalated, marking an urgent call for global intervention.
Israel agreed to ease the blockade during the past weekend, amid growing warnings from international experts about the risks of famine unfolding in Gaza. Escalating global pressure, particularly from the UK, has led to the halting of trade negotiations, which UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labeled "morally unjustifiable." Moreover, the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated that the bloc would explore alterations to its trade agreement with Israel in response to its military strategy.
Dujarric described the arrival of supplies as a mere "drop in the ocean" compared to what is required, noting that aid organizations estimate that around 600 trucks must arrive each day to avert the humanitarian crisis enveloping Gaza. Concerns were voiced by UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher on the future of thousands of infants, as he projected that approximately 14,000 babies are at imminent risk of death unless urgent aid can reach them.
In further comments, Fletcher noted that while there are teams on the ground providing aid in medical centers and schools, no clarifying data was offered on the grim predictions. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs emphasized that many infants face life-threatening malnutrition unless supplies are delivered to their mothers.
Reports have surfaced about the mortality of children due to malnutrition, with 57 child fatalities documented in a report by the Hamas-run health ministry over the past eleven weeks. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Israel's decision to allow limited aid flow into Gaza, while acknowledging it was not enough.
In response to the dire situation, the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada jointly urged Israel to cease military operations and permit the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. Israel initiated its military campaign following Hamas's attacks on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the hostage-taking of 251 more. Reports from Gaza's health ministry indicate that over 53,000 individuals have been killed since hostilities escalated, marking an urgent call for global intervention.
