Conditions in Gaza Are Catastrophic Despite Renewed Aid, Says UN

 

Conditions in Gaza Are Catastrophic Despite Renewed Aid, Says UN The United Nations has described the situation in Gaza as the worst since the beginning of the 19-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas, despite some recent efforts to deliver aid. The Palestinian enclave is facing severe shortages and looming famine conditions, as limited aid deliveries struggle to reach those in need. Following international pressure, Israel ended an 11-week blockade on Gaza 12 days ago, enabling limited UN-led humanitarian operations to resume. Additionally, on Monday, a new aid distribution channel—the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the United States and Israel—began operating. While the GHF has managed to distribute over 2.1 million meals, the overall impact of aid remains minimal, and the aid efforts face numerous obstacles.

The UN and other aid groups have refused to work with the GHF, citing concerns over its neutrality and the way it distributes aid, which they say forces the displacement of Palestinians. Israel prefers that the UN coordinates aid through the GHF, which employs private security and logistics companies for transport. Still, the UN has criticized Israel for restrictions, including blocking the delivery of certain types of food and medical supplies and looting aid shipments. Since the escalation of fighting in 2023, when Hamas militants killed over 1,200 Israelis and took about 250 hostages, Israel's military campaign has resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities. Efforts to deliver aid remain hampered by insecurity, access restrictions, and ongoing clashes, with only a fraction of the aid reaching Gaza—about 200 truckloads in the past 12 days.

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