Israel's COGAT debunks UN claim of 10,000 aid trucks at Gaza border

In recent events regarding humanitarian aid in Israel, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) publicly challenged claims made by United Nations relief officials. COGAT specifically targeted UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric and UN relief chief Tom Fletcher, who alleged that 10,000 aid trucks were stuck at the Gaza border. This allegation was made during a CNN interview where Fletcher stated that the trucks were 'cleared and ready to go' with food. However, COGAT countered this by declaring that the figure was inaccurate and requested a focus on the aid already within Gaza. On multiple occasions, Fletcher has been criticized for disseminating misleading information regarding humanitarian aid. COGAT underscored that Fletcher had not visited the region since February, which raises questions about the credibility of his statements. They encouraged the UN to prioritize the 550 truckloads of aid that are reportedly waiting at the border rather than perpetuating claims about additional aid that is allegedly stuck. This call for action is framed against a broader background of conflict and humanitarian needs in the region, where aid delivery has become entangled with political complexities. COGAT emphasized the importance of ensuring that aid reaches civilians in need rather than being diverted by Hamas. COGAT's statements reflect ongoing tensions and coordination challenges between Israel and the UN regarding the distribution of humanitarian aid. The Israeli Defense Forces also confirmed that aid trucks had been allowed into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing but noted that the UN's cooperation with Hamas hindered further distribution. COGAT's post on social media further reiterated their stance, stating that the UN should collect the aid that is already in Gaza rather than looking for trucks that are not part of the current reality. This ongoing dispute signals a critical need for effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.