UN Warns of Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza as Aid Remains Stalled
With no aid delivered amidst an 11-week blockade, the UN raises alarms over 14,000 infants at risk of death within 48 hours.
The United Nations reported on Tuesday that no significant humanitarian aid has been distributed in the Gaza Strip despite Israel permitting a limited number of deliveries following a prolonged 11-week blockade.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that while four trucks carrying baby food were delivered to the Palestinian side of the border on Monday, the entry of additional essential supplies remains complicated.
On Tuesday, a handful of trucks carrying flour, medicine, and nutritional supplies faced obstacles as UN teams awaited Israeli clearance to access the Kerem Shalom crossing.
"Israeli authorities are requiring us to offload supplies on the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing and reload them separately once they secure our team's access from inside the Gaza Strip," Dujarric explained.
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher expressed grave concerns about the situation, warning that 14,000 babies could die within 48 hours without urgent aid.
Fletcher described the limited aid granted by Israel as "a drop in the ocean" when compared to the humanitarian needs on the ground.
According to earlier statements, Israel has approved approximately 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza, but the flow of assistance is severely restricted.
Israel maintains that the blockade aims to prevent Palestinian militant groups from capturing and misdirecting aid.
Hamas has denied any allegations of such activities.
The humanitarian crisis is compounded by an expanded Israeli ground operation in Gaza that commenced on Monday, targeting Hamas and seeking to exert greater control over the region, which has faced extensive destruction from ongoing military operations since Hamas' cross-border attack on Israel in October 2023.
In response to the worsening humanitarian conditions, Australia, along with 22 other nations, has called for the full resumption of aid to prevent mass starvation in Gaza.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the distressing situation in parliament, echoing sentiments shared by leaders from France and Canada, who have voiced horror at Israel's intensified military actions.
These nations have also warned of potential "concrete actions" against Israel if military activities in Gaza persist and aid restrictions are not lifted.
Further developments include the announcement by British Foreign Minister David Lammy to suspend negotiations on a new free trade agreement with Israel, citing the disturbing rhetoric among Israeli cabinet members, which he described as repellent.
The British government has also summoned Israel's ambassador and initiated sanctions against specific individuals and groups within the Israeli-occupied West Bank due to alleged violence against Palestinians.
On a separate note, a US-backed initiative is set to begin work in Gaza by the end of May, with plans for a new model of aid distribution in the territory.
However, the United Nations has expressed concerns regarding the neutrality of this approach and has stated it will not participate.
Reports indicate that malnutrition rates in Gaza are increasing as a direct consequence of the blockade, with UNRWA officials warning that ongoing food shortages could aggravate the situation significantly.
"I have data until end of April and it shows malnutrition on the rise," said Akihiro Seita, UNRWA Director of Health.
"If the current food shortage continues, it will exponentially increase, and then get beyond our control."
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that while four trucks carrying baby food were delivered to the Palestinian side of the border on Monday, the entry of additional essential supplies remains complicated.
On Tuesday, a handful of trucks carrying flour, medicine, and nutritional supplies faced obstacles as UN teams awaited Israeli clearance to access the Kerem Shalom crossing.
"Israeli authorities are requiring us to offload supplies on the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing and reload them separately once they secure our team's access from inside the Gaza Strip," Dujarric explained.
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher expressed grave concerns about the situation, warning that 14,000 babies could die within 48 hours without urgent aid.
Fletcher described the limited aid granted by Israel as "a drop in the ocean" when compared to the humanitarian needs on the ground.
According to earlier statements, Israel has approved approximately 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza, but the flow of assistance is severely restricted.
Israel maintains that the blockade aims to prevent Palestinian militant groups from capturing and misdirecting aid.
Hamas has denied any allegations of such activities.
The humanitarian crisis is compounded by an expanded Israeli ground operation in Gaza that commenced on Monday, targeting Hamas and seeking to exert greater control over the region, which has faced extensive destruction from ongoing military operations since Hamas' cross-border attack on Israel in October 2023.
In response to the worsening humanitarian conditions, Australia, along with 22 other nations, has called for the full resumption of aid to prevent mass starvation in Gaza.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the distressing situation in parliament, echoing sentiments shared by leaders from France and Canada, who have voiced horror at Israel's intensified military actions.
These nations have also warned of potential "concrete actions" against Israel if military activities in Gaza persist and aid restrictions are not lifted.
Further developments include the announcement by British Foreign Minister David Lammy to suspend negotiations on a new free trade agreement with Israel, citing the disturbing rhetoric among Israeli cabinet members, which he described as repellent.
The British government has also summoned Israel's ambassador and initiated sanctions against specific individuals and groups within the Israeli-occupied West Bank due to alleged violence against Palestinians.
On a separate note, a US-backed initiative is set to begin work in Gaza by the end of May, with plans for a new model of aid distribution in the territory.
However, the United Nations has expressed concerns regarding the neutrality of this approach and has stated it will not participate.
Reports indicate that malnutrition rates in Gaza are increasing as a direct consequence of the blockade, with UNRWA officials warning that ongoing food shortages could aggravate the situation significantly.
"I have data until end of April and it shows malnutrition on the rise," said Akihiro Seita, UNRWA Director of Health.
"If the current food shortage continues, it will exponentially increase, and then get beyond our control."
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