UN Reports on Aid Blockade in Northern Gaza
The humanitarian situation in the northern Gaza Strip has reached a critical point as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Israel has refused all attempts to bring humanitarian aid into the area between October 2 and 15. Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for OCHA, stated that no food aid was allowed to enter, exacerbating the ongoing famine and thirst crisis among the residents.
Israeli military operations have intensified, particularly around the Jabalia camp, with airstrikes aimed at preventing Hamas from re-establishing its presence in the region. However, local Palestinians argue that these actions are aimed at displacing them from their homes. Between October 6 and 20, Israel rejected 28 requests for coordinated humanitarian aid movements, allowing only 4 out of 66 missions to proceed. Laerke emphasized that 85% of aid requests were denied in the first two weeks of October, leaving many displaced individuals living in dire conditions, including bathrooms.
The medical situation is equally alarming, with Israeli forces obstructing a UN and NGO team from accessing hospitals in Gaza despite multiple attempts. Laerke noted a significant decline in aid entering Gaza, dropping from an average of 165 trucks daily in April to just 54 in September. The ongoing conflict has made Gaza one of the most dangerous areas for humanitarian workers, with 300 UN colleagues reported killed since the escalation began.
Israel's Response to US Pressure on Humanitarian Aid
In a separate development, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken amid growing concerns that the US may take action against Israel in the United Nations Security Council if demands for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza are not met. Following discussions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an increase in the number of aid trucks entering Gaza, responding to pressure from the White House.
During the meeting, Galant emphasized Israel's commitment to its military objectives in the region, including the ongoing operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. He reiterated that Israel would proceed with its military strategy until its goals were achieved, despite American expectations for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. The situation remains tense as Israel balances its military actions with international demands for humanitarian assistance.
