Under international pressure, Israel has increased aid flow into Gaza, particularly in the north where extreme hunger is becoming a major issue. The Biden administration and international aid officials have praised Israel’s efforts to expedite aid routes, with more trucks reaching Gaza recently. The United Nations World Food Program has called for constant aid delivery of food, water, and medicine to prevent famine in the region. Israel has faced criticism for restricting aid into Gaza to prevent weapons from falling into Hamas hands, but has opened new aid routes following pressure from the U.S.
New aid avenues have opened, including a sea shipment from Cyprus and aid through the Ashdod port in Israel. Israel is working to make aid routes in the north of Gaza more permanent, with the approval of President Biden following an attack that killed aid workers. Trucks are increasing their daily trips with plans to open a maritime route that could deliver two million meals a day. The increase in aid comes as Israel considers invading Rafah in southern Gaza and as efforts continue to secure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas.
Jordan has also increased aid delivery through overland convoys that pass through the West Bank and part of Israel to reach the southern Gaza border crossings. The amount of aid reaching Gaza, however, is disputed, with Israel reporting higher numbers than the United Nations. Tensions remain over Israel’s accusations that UN workers helped Hamas in an attack, resulting in the suspension of funding from several countries. The United Nations investigative office has closed one case against an employee and suspended four others due to lack of evidence provided by Israel.
As aid delivery intensifies, there are still concerns about discrepancies in aid totals and tensions over accusations against UN workers. Israel’s actions to restrict aid and inspect trucks entering Gaza, as well as accusations against UN workers, have resulted in funding suspensions from donor countries. The release of hostages in Gaza remains a priority, and efforts are ongoing to negotiate a cease-fire and secure their release. The situation in Gaza is complex, with ongoing conflicts, humanitarian crises, and the need for international cooperation to provide critical aid to those in need.
