The United Nations Struggles to Distribute Aid in Gaza Amid Lawlessness and Panic
The United Nations has faced challenges in distributing aid in the Gaza Strip due to lawlessness and panic among hungry people in the area. Despite Israel’s daytime pause in military activity, aid has not been able to reach those in need through the Israel-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing.
Israel’s military announced a daily pause in its attacks from 0500 GMT until 1600 GMT along the road that leads from Israel via the Kerem Shalom crossing to the Salah Al-Din Road and northwards in Gaza. While the UN welcomed this move, spokesperson Farhan Haq stated that it has not translated into more aid reaching people in need. The area between Kerem Shalom and the Salah Al-Din road has been described as very dangerous, making it challenging to deliver aid effectively.
The lack of police presence and rule of law in the area has contributed to the difficulties in distributing aid. Haq emphasized the importance of ensuring security conditions for aid delivery and expressed readiness to engage with all parties involved in the conflict to facilitate the process. The UN and aid groups have long highlighted the dangers and obstacles faced in delivering aid throughout Gaza, where a famine is looming.
Since the Israel-Hamas war began over eight months ago, aid for 2.3 million Palestinians has primarily entered through two crossings into southern Gaza – the Rafah crossing from Egypt and the Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel. However, deliveries were disrupted when Israel intensified its military operations in Rafah last month to root out remaining Hamas fighters. Egypt closed the Rafah crossing due to security concerns, redirecting aid and fuel through Kerem Shalom.
Haq noted that the Rafah crossing remains closed, with limited access via Kerem Shalom. In Gaza’s north, the Erez crossing is inaccessible due to an escalation of fighting, while the West Erez and Zikim crossings remain operational. The ongoing conflict and security challenges have hindered the distribution of essential aid to vulnerable populations in Gaza.
The UN’s efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza are crucial, especially as the situation continues to deteriorate. Ensuring safe and efficient aid delivery is essential to prevent further suffering among the population. The international community must work together to support these efforts and prioritize the well-being of those affected by the conflict.
As the United Nations navigates the complex challenges of distributing aid in Gaza, it remains committed to working with all parties involved to overcome obstacles and provide much-needed assistance to those in need. By addressing security concerns and improving logistical coordination, the UN aims to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations and mitigate the impact of the ongoing crisis in Gaza.