The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported a significant increase in aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, with 915 aid trucks entering the territory on Monday. This marks the second day of a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas, following 15 months of intense conflict.
According to data from Israel and the ceasefire guarantors—the United States, Qatar, and Egypt—this influx of aid is a crucial lifeline for the besieged enclave. On Sunday, approximately 630 aid trucks entered Gaza, with at least 300 directed to the northern region, where experts warn of an impending famine.
The ceasefire agreement stipulates that 600 truckloads of aid must enter Gaza daily during the initial six-week truce, including 50 trucks carrying much-needed fuel. Half of these shipments are designated for northern Gaza.
Data from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) indicated that 2,892 aid trucks entered Gaza in December. These supplies are delivered to the Gaza side of the border, where they are collected by the UN for distribution to the affected population.
However, the distribution of aid has faced significant challenges due to interference from gangs and looters. OCHA reported that 2,230 aid truckloads—averaging 72 per day—were successfully distributed in December, with the daily average dropping to 51 between January 1 and January 5.
The extensive bombardment by Israel has devastated much of Gaza, displacing its pre-war population of 2.3 million people multiple times. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “catastrophic.”
Addressing the UN Security Council on Monday, Guterres highlighted the immense difficulties the UN continues to face in providing aid. He called for rapid, safe, and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance.
“Visas, permits, and other enabling conditions must be in place quickly to allow a surge of desperately needed relief,” Guterres emphasized. “We require the necessary technical, protective, and communications equipment.”
He urged both Israel and Hamas to cooperate effectively with the UN to facilitate humanitarian operations. “This also includes the restoration of public order and safety to prevent the looting of humanitarian supplies,” he added.
Guterres also appealed to countries to accept patients requiring medical treatment, ensure that sufficient commercial supplies are allowed into Gaza, and assist in removing explosive ordnance.
Israel asserts that Hamas killed approximately 1,200 people during the attack on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing conflict. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 47,000 Palestinians have died since the war began.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
