The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point as the United Nations and various experts warn of an impending famine. Reports indicate a rising death toll due to malnutrition among Palestinians. Despite this alarming scenario, Israel claims that substantial quantities of humanitarian aid, amounting to hundreds of truckloads, are ready at the border for distribution by the UN.
Last Thursday, Israeli military officials showcased the aid supplies at the Kerem Shalom crossing, revealing vast pallets filled with aid. Since easing a blockade in May, Israel asserts it has allowed around 4,500 aid trucks into Gaza—an average of 70 per day—though this figure falls significantly short of the hundreds needed daily, according to the UN.
Israel argues that it is providing sufficient aid and blames UN agencies for failing to efficiently transport supplies to those in need. The UN counters that military restrictions and looting have severely hampered their operations in delivering aid effectively.
Compounding these challenges are unsafe routes, bureaucratic hurdles, and access denials. To retrieve supplies, UN trucks must gain permission to access military-controlled zones, and navigating within Gaza can take as long as 20 hours due to logistical issues. Furthermore, large crowds seeking aid frequently overwhelm supplies, leading to theft and violence. Reports from the Gaza health ministry indicate that at least 79 Palestinians have died while trying to obtain aid this week alone.
In addition, incidents of Israeli troops opening fire on crowds have resulted in injuries and fatalities, illustrating the extreme risks faced by both aid workers and civilians. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) notes that these factors have forced many humanitarian missions to pause, according to spokesperson Olga Cherevko.
Inadequate law enforcement due to the disruption of Hamas’s civilian police force has contributed to insecurity around aid distribution. The military often designates routes perceived as unsafe or infeasible for large aid trucks. When UN officials object to these routes, alternative proposals are rarely offered.
Despite Israel’s assertions of allowing an unlimited number of trucks, coordination inefficiencies often lead to prolonged waits and denied access for aid convoys. A top Israeli military official indicated their willingness to assist aid groups but noted that some organisations have declined this offer.
To stabilise the situation, the UN advocates for daily deliveries of adequate aid, suggesting that a consistent supply would help mitigate looting and foster community support for the aid efforts. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasised that trust from local communities is crucial for effective aid distribution, urging the international community to facilitate regular aid flow into Gaza.