Israel increases aid to starving Gaza amid global outcry
- Israel's government reversed its policy to allow more aid into Gaza after international pressure.
- On a recent Sunday, humanitarian air drops were executed, but truck deliveries are the primary method of transport.
- Despite these measures, the UN warns that aid levels are still drastically low compared to pre-war necessities.
On a recent Monday, humanitarian aid resumed flowing into Gaza, where approximately 2 million displaced people are facing dire conditions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government announced a shift in policy, allowing increased supplies of food and medicine to enter the war-torn region. This decision came after significant international condemnation over the dire plight of Palestinians, particularly the sight of malnourished children. Over the weekend, images depicting the desperate situation prompted Israel to permit humanitarian air drops, with assistance from Jordan and the UAE, but transport via trucks remains the primary method for delivering aid. Despite these measures, the amount of aid entering Gaza remains insufficient. Reports indicate that only 120 trucks delivered aid on one day, while pre-war standards routinely saw more than 500 trucks arriving daily. Many residents, facing extreme hunger, have resorted to looting convoys before the supplies can reach designated depots. Videos captured over the weekend showcase individuals scrambling to access bags of flour from trucks, reflecting the dire state of food security in the region. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has acknowledged Israel's recent decisions regarding humanitarian assistance but emphasizes that the scale of aid is still far below what is vital for survival, particularly for children in Gaza City, where malnutrition rates reach alarming levels. UNRWA highlighted that at least 500 to 600 trucks worth of basic necessities are required each day to meet the urgent needs. As the conflict continues, the Israeli military has committed to ensuring safe routes for aid delivery to ensure that necessary supplies can reach vulnerable populations effectively. While the easing of restrictions is a positive step, it underlines a larger humanitarian crisis requiring sustainable solutions beyond temporary measures.