Hamas Accuses Israel of Blocking Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
The Islamic Resistance Movement, known as Hamas, has accused Israel of implementing measures that severely restrict humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Khalil Al-Hayya, a leader of Hamas, stated that these actions have resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis for the Palestinian population, which has endured ongoing violence for over a year.
According to Al-Hayya, Israel limits the daily entry of aid trucks to a mere 100—40 for the northern regions and 60 for the south—while at times, no trucks are allowed to enter at all. This is a stark contrast to the pre-conflict situation, where more than 600 trucks of goods and food supplies were entering Gaza daily before the escalation of violence on October 7, 2023.
Impact of the Blockade on Gaza's Population
The blockade has led to significant shortages of essential supplies, exacerbating the suffering of the Gazan population. Al-Hayya highlighted the closure of the Rafah crossing, which borders Egypt, as a critical factor preventing hundreds of aid trucks from entering Gaza, many of which have been left waiting for months and have subsequently spoiled.
Moreover, international relief organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), are reportedly facing systematic restrictions imposed by Israel, hampering their ability to deliver much-needed assistance to the two-thirds of the Palestinian population they serve.
Humanitarian Crisis Escalates Amidst Winter Conditions
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with reports of widespread famine and a systematic policy of starvation due to the blockade. The ongoing conflict and restrictions have left approximately two million displaced Palestinians, many of whom are living in tents as winter approaches for the second consecutive year. The international community continues to call for Israel to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, but these appeals have largely gone unheeded, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian disaster across the region.
