Aid deliveries to Gaza resume amid increasing international criticism over the escalating food crisis, which many attribute to Israel. Jordan, backed by the UAE, has been airdropping vital supplies such as flour, sugar, and canned food to the needy population.
The World Food Program reports that a third of Gaza’s approximately two million inhabitants have been without food for days, while nearly half a million are facing malnutrition. Disturbing images of weakened children have spread worldwide, resulting in condemnation even from Israel’s allies regarding the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian crisis it has unleashed.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the situation as “nightmarish”, referencing over 1,000 fatalities while attempting to access food since the end of May. He highlighted that the militarized aid distribution centers, operated by the US- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, are “failing completely”. The Health Ministry of Gaza states that over 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured since October 7, representing around 10% of the population. Türk also denounces the killing of over 300 UN staff by Israeli strikes, urging nations to ensure that Israel fulfills its duty to provide critical assistance.
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has countered, accusing the UN of “exemplifying excuses and falsehoods” and affirming Israel’s allowance of humanitarian access through secure routes.
As pressure mounts, the Israeli military has initiated limited daily halts in hostilities, lasting 10 hours in three densely populated regions, to facilitate the distribution of aid and the movement of civilians.
The World Food Program reports that a third of Gaza’s approximately two million inhabitants have been without food for days, while nearly half a million are facing malnutrition. Disturbing images of weakened children have spread worldwide, resulting in condemnation even from Israel’s allies regarding the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian crisis it has unleashed.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the situation as “nightmarish”, referencing over 1,000 fatalities while attempting to access food since the end of May. He highlighted that the militarized aid distribution centers, operated by the US- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, are “failing completely”. The Health Ministry of Gaza states that over 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured since October 7, representing around 10% of the population. Türk also denounces the killing of over 300 UN staff by Israeli strikes, urging nations to ensure that Israel fulfills its duty to provide critical assistance.
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has countered, accusing the UN of “exemplifying excuses and falsehoods” and affirming Israel’s allowance of humanitarian access through secure routes.
As pressure mounts, the Israeli military has initiated limited daily halts in hostilities, lasting 10 hours in three densely populated regions, to facilitate the distribution of aid and the movement of civilians.
