International Aid Crisis: Gaza Remains in Dire Need as Blockade Eases

Despite the arrival of aid trucks in Gaza, the United Nations has reported no actual distribution of supplies, intensifying concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis as international pressure on Israel escalates amid devastating conditions for civilians.

The United Nations has announced that no humanitarian aid has been distributed in Gaza, despite reports that loads of aid have begun crossing the border following an 11-week blockade. On Tuesday, Israeli officials confirmed that 93 trucks entered Gaza, carrying essentials such as flour, baby food, medical supplies, and pharmaceuticals. However, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that their team was unable to access the area to distribute these supplies after waiting several hours for permission from Israel.

On Sunday, Israel had agreed to lift its blockade on the Gaza Strip, where experts are sounding alarm bells about a potential famine. In light of this situation, international pressure on Israel has intensified, with the UK announcing a suspension of trade talks citing Israel's "morally unjustifiable" military actions in Gaza; Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has labeled the crisis as "intolerable." The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has signaled the bloc's intention to reassess its trade agreements with Israel following the ongoing violence.

Dujarric mentioned the complexity of the aid operation, as Israel has mandated that the UN offload supplies on the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing and then reload them once access is secured from within Gaza. While acknowledging the arrival of the supplies as a positive step, he emphasized that it represents merely "a drop in the ocean" concerning the scale of humanitarian needs; the UN estimates that at least 600 trucks per day are essential to address Gaza's critical conditions.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that thousands of babies are at risk of death from malnutrition if aid is not permitted to enter immediately. On the BBC's Today programme, Fletcher indicated that without urgent intervention, approximately 14,000 infants would be in jeopardy within 48 hours. The UN later clarified that the 14,000 figure pertains to severe acute malnutrition cases projected over a year, estimating approximately 14,100 cases among children ages six months to five years by early 2026.

Further statistics point to a grim reality, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting 57 child fatalities attributed to malnutrition over the past 11 weeks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the initiation of aid flow to Gaza but noted concerns regarding its insufficient volume. Meanwhile, a joint statement from the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada called for an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Since the outbreak of conflict following Hamas's cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages, the situation in Gaza has escalated drastically. According to health ministry data, the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 53,475, with over 3,300 casualties reported since the resumption of Israeli offensives.