The United Nations has successfully delivered humanitarian aid to northern Gaza for the first time in over 15 days, amidst a dire humanitarian crisis. This development follows a period during which aid levels had completely fallen due to ongoing military operations by Israeli forces targeting Hamas operatives. UN officials describe the situation in Gaza as 'desperate,' with over 100,000 people trapped in Jabalia, unable to access necessary supplies. The UN reports that approximately 400,000 Palestinians remain in northern Gaza, with tens of thousands displaced due to the conflict.
In a related diplomatic move, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have issued an ultimatum to Israel, demanding improvements in the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The letter outlines specific requirements, including the transfer of 350 aid trucks daily and the establishment of humanitarian ceasefires to facilitate aid distribution. The US has warned that failure to comply could impact military aid to Israel, as American law mandates unhindered humanitarian assistance in conflict zones.
- The UN's recent aid delivery included 30 trucks carrying food supplies from the World Food Programme, a significant increase following a two-week hiatus in aid due to security concerns. Georgios Petropoulos, head of the UN humanitarian agency in Gaza, emphasized the urgent need for shelter and food supplies, highlighting the challenges faced by aid workers in reaching affected areas like Jabalia, which remains under siege.
- The US's ultimatum reflects growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue their operations. The US has stipulated that Israel must take concrete actions within 30 days to avoid consequences for their military support, underscoring the geopolitical implications of the ongoing conflict.
