Tel Aviv/Gaza, May 20(HS): Five trucks carrying relief supplies reached the Gaza Strip on Monday for the first time after nearly three months of blockade. This assistance included essential items, including baby food. According to reports, these trucks were able to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing after receiving approval from Israel and the United Nations.

The Israeli defense coordination body (COGAT) stated that this supply is a ray of hope for more than 2 million Palestinians trapped in Gaza. However, the United Nations clarified that the situation is extremely dire and such a small amount of aid is like a drop in the ocean.

Gaza on the brink of famine

UN humanitarian aid chief Tom Fletcher said, The situation in Gaza is so dire that a few trucks will not have a significant impact. The threat of famine remains, and the ground situation is extremely unstable.”

According to COGAT, permission has been granted for four more UN trucks to enter on Tuesday. However, during the ceasefire, approximately 600 trucks used to enter Gaza daily.

Hope for aid, but dangers persist

The UN has stated that the ground conditions are so chaotic and insecure that relief supplies could be looted. Fletcher has appealed to Israel to open multiple aid routes in the northern and southern regions of Gaza so that assistance can be delivered regularly and safely.

Israel resumes military operations

Amidst this relief distribution, Israel has resumed ground and air attacks in Gaza. The military has ordered the evacuation of Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city. Previously, extensive military operations had been conducted in this city, turning the entire area into ruins.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s goal is to establish control over all of Gaza and create a relief distribution system with no role for Hamas. He also mentioned that Israel would encourage the large population of Gaza to voluntarily migrate to other countries.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar