Gaza: The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has issued an urgent appeal for aid access into the blockaded Gaza Strip to address a worsening famine crisis affecting the enclave. Juliette Touma, UNRWA Communications Director, emphasized the need for ground-based aid delivery rather than airdrops, noting that driving trucks through border crossings is a more efficient and cost-effective solution.
According to Anadolu Agency, foreign media had earlier reported that Israel would permit airdrops by Western nations for two days in Gaza beginning Friday, aiming to mitigate the severe humanitarian situation. Touma reported that there are currently 6,000 aid trucks ready to deliver necessary supplies, pending clearance to enter Gaza.
Touma cautioned that airdrops alone would not be sufficient to counter the severe hunger issues in Gaza. She called for an end to the blockade, advocating for open borders to ensure safe and dignified access for those in need. The Israeli blockade on Gaza has been in place for 18 years, with all crossings closed since March 2, preventing aid convoys from entering despite international demands for reopening.
Gaza's Health Ministry reported that since October 2023, at least 133 individuals, including 87 children, have succumbed to starvation. The World Food Program warned on Tuesday that one-third of Gaza's population had endured several days without food due to the ongoing blockade.
The situation is exacerbated by an ongoing Israeli military offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, which has resulted in over 59,800 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children. The constant bombardment has devastated the enclave and created severe food shortages.
In response to the crisis, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.