Tel Aviv, May 21 (HS): The UN reports that despite the entry of aid trucks into Gaza following an 11-week blockade, no aid has been distributed yet. Israeli officials confirmed that 93 trucks crossed into Gaza on Tuesday carrying essential supplies such as flour, baby food, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that a team waited for hours for access to distribute these supplies but was unable to do so. On Sunday, Israel permitted a limited amount of food to enter Gaza amid warnings of a looming famine. International pressure has escalated, with the UK suspending trade talks due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza deemed “morally unjustifiable.” The EU is reviewing its trade agreement with Israel, reflecting similar concerns. Dujarric noted that distributing the aid is complicated by Israel’s requirement to unload and reload supplies. He emphasized that the delivered aid is just a small fraction of the amount needed—600 trucks daily are necessary to address the humanitarian crisis. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that 14,000 babies could die in 48 hours unless urgent aid is allowed into Gaza, highlighting an acute need for intervention to save those suffering from severe malnutrition. The UN urged immediate action to facilitate necessary supplies.
A report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) anticipates 14,100 severe acute malnutrition cases among children aged six to 59 months between April 2025 and March 2026, emphasizing this development will span about a year. UNOCHA spokesman Jens Laerke underscored the urgent need for nutritional supplements for babies, whose mothers struggle to feed themselves, stating their health is at severe risk without timely intervention. Recently, the Hamas-run health ministry reported 57 child fatalities due to malnutrition in the past 11 weeks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for Israel’s decision to permit humanitarian aid into Gaza, acknowledging the insufficiency of aid trucks but appreciating any flow of assistance. Meanwhile, leaders of the UK, France, and Canada urged Israel to halt military operations and immediately facilitate humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
This military campaign by Israel, initiated in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 53,475 deaths in Gaza, with 3,340 fatalities reported since the offensive resumed. In conjunction with this, the UK has imposed sanctions on certain Israeli settlers and associated groups, highlighting ongoing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
