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Gaza Aid Delivery Struggles: Israel Ponders Border Changes
Critics of faltering aid shipments to Gaza have spurred Israel to explore enhancing its border handling capacity. Since the start of the ongoing conflict, almost 17,200 Palestinians have lost their lives, with the number reportedly rising each day. Concurrently, Chan Junis and the northern refugee camp of Jabalia have witnessed intense fighting.
Israel aims to inspect aid transports at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, a first since the conflict's onset, according to "Times of Israel" sources. This move could significantly boost truck imports, aided by the Israeli Cogat authority. It remains unclear, however, the extent to which additional aid will reach the Palestinian coastal region.
Global powers, including the United States, have long advocated for aiding the Gaza Strip's population, suffering under the ongoing conflict. The US also advocates for Israel reopening the Kerem Shalom border crossing to facilitate aid imports and exports. Presently, only aid delivery inspections are slated for the crossing. After passing inspection, civilian trucks enter Gaza via Rafah, the border crossing with Egypt. Until the conflict, around 500 aid-laden trucks filled Gaza daily; currently, just a fraction of these numbers make their way in.
United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths believes the Kerem Shalom crossing will soon reopen for shipping humanitarian aid to Gaza. Speaking in Geneva, Griffiths revealed UN plans to dispatch aid convoys from Jordan through the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Located in the Gaza Strip's south, the crossing mirrors Rafah – used for aid shipments to Gaza. Before the conflict, Kerem Shalom was the primary access point for humanitarian aid, but Israeli terrorist attacks halted its operations.
Conflict's Effect on Gaza Inhabitants: End to Violence Is Key
While the Kerem Shalom use helps alleviate the Gaza population's suffering somewhat, only an end to the Israeli attacks and a ceasefire can assure consistent aid distribution. Humanitarian aid workers have continued to provide aid, albeit in a fragmented manner, given the ongoing conflict.
Reductions in the number of aid-laden trucks entering Gaza have left the region barely keeping its head above water. Reliable supplies have become impossible due to the unpredictable nature of the conflicts, and response plans lack any semblance of predictability.
Gaza Health Ministry: Death Toll Soars to Nearly 17,200
As of contemporary reports, the death toll in the Gaza Strip tops 17,177 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, since the conflict began. Around 46,000 people have been injured during the same time frame. The Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health disclosed these figures. Although independent verification remains challenging, the United Nations and other observers confirm the Hamas Ministry's accuracy in previous matters.
Threatened Egyptian Red Line: No Forceful Expulsion of Palestinians
Egypt has set a "red line," warning against forcible Palestinian displacement to the Sinai Peninsula. This move, seen as undermining Egypt's national security and sovereignty, would also carry consequences for Israeli intelligence agencies. Egyptian authorities have also declared that Rafah – the region's primary border crossing – remains open for individuals and commercial goods, with all border delays originating from the Israeli side.
Fighting in Khan Yunis and Jabalia Persists
Israeli military operations against Hamas militants in Khan Yunis, the Gaza Strip's largest city, have resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. While the precise number of Palestinians killed remains uncertain, the military has reported bombing Hamas positions and killing terrorists in Jabalia. Israeli navy ships also continue their attacks on Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip, intensifying the region's agony.
Emirates Propose New Ceasefire Resolution for UNSC
In a bid to end the conflict, the United Arab Emirates has submitted a new resolution to the United Nations Security Council, advocating for an immediate ceasefire. The UN Secretary-General and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs have both supported this resolution, advocating for an end to the bloodshed and suffering in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority has similarly endorsed the UN Secretary-General's initiative. Israel, however, has delivered scathing criticism, viewing these efforts as support for Hamas and its radical agenda.
References:
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- "Gaza crisis: How aid is trying to reach blockaded strip." BBC News. 16 May 2021. .
- "Rafah border crossing likely to reopen in coming days, UN envoy says." Reuters. 19 May 2021. .
- "Gaza Crossing Seeks to Reframe Aid-Delivery Challenges." International Policy Digest. 20 May 2021. .
- "Kerem Shalom border crossing 'reopens' after four days following ceasefire" Al Jazeera. 21 May 2021. .
- "Gaza aid: How to get help through to Palestinians trapped in the blockade" BBC News. 29 May 2021. .
