Has Israel Eased its Blockade on Gaza?
Conflict in Gaza: Humanitarians Issue Grave Concerns Over Israel's Novel Aid Allocation Method, Predicting Widespread Aid Deprivation
It seems that Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip haven't eased, and the humanitarian crisis there persists, with the Israeli government recently stepping up its offensive while proposing a new system for distributing aid.
: Israel's Controversial Plan for Aid DistributionThe Israeli offensive aims at displacing the Gaza population for their safety, a plan confirmed by Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli army intends to prevent Hamas and other armed groups from taking advantage of humanitarian supplies by reselling them. However, UN agencies and NGOs refuse to participate in this operation, considering it unethical.
"The People of Gaza are Suffering"
While Israel claims there's enough food for Gaza's 2.4 million residents, Olga Cherevko, a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, contradicts this statement. She has been residing in Gaza City for weeks and reports that many people go without food as clashes persist.
"It's insecurity at all levels in Gaza. People are not eating, and this is happening amidst ongoing conflicts", she tells our website.
"Gaza is on the brink of collapse."
she states
Cherevko and other humanitarian actors in Gaza have been informed about Israel's aid distribution plan. The plan includes fixed supply points to be managed by American companies under the protection of Israeli soldiers. However, Loai Nasser, head of the French NGO Super-Novae in Gaza, argues that most residents will be denied aid since they won't travel to military zones fearing attacks or death from the Israeli army.
International humanitarian law obliges actors responsible for aid to maintain neutrality and avoid conflict involvement.
Severe Humanitarian Crisis
It's evident that Gaza is experiencing a critical humanitarian crisis, worsened by the ongoing military offensive and blockade, as shown by the following facts:
- Thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives, including many children.
- hospitals have been damaged beyond repair, leaving only half functional.
- Children have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition due to a lack of food and medicine.
- The healthcare system is collapsing, with pharmacies and clinics struggling to maintain services.
International Response
The international community has been slow to respond, with EU-funded Mobile Medical Teams and primary healthcare centers assisting approximately 1,200 patients daily. However, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently reviewing Israel's obligations to facilitate aid delivery to the region.
Israel’s Duty to Provide Aid
The ICJ is examining Israel's responsibilities under international law to ensure aid delivery to Gaza, as reinforced by UNRWA stressing that restrictions on aid distribution directly impact the lives of vulnerable civilians. Moreover, the detention and abuse of UNRWA staff worsen the situation further, making humanitarian work increasingly challenging.
- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that Gaza is on the brink of collapse, with many residents going without food due to ongoing clashes.
- Olga Cherevko, a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, has stated that Gaza is experiencing a severe crisis, exacerbated by Israel's military actions and blockade.
- The international community remains slow to respond, with EU-funded Mobile Medical Teams and primary healthcare centers assisting only around 1,200 patients daily.
- The International Court of Justice is currently reviewing Israel's obligations under international law to ensure aid delivery to Gaza, as restrictions on aid distribution directly impact the lives of vulnerable civilians.
