In a dire humanitarian situation, Israel continues to obstruct the entry and distribution of basic supplies into the Gaza Strip, particularly affecting the Gaza City and North Gaza governorates. This obstruction threatens to exacerbate and deepen the widespread famine in the region. According to United Nations estimates, these two governorates house at least 300,000 people.
The Crisis Unfolding
The restriction of humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip, especially in its northern parts, is drastically worsening the already-dire food insecurity faced by the Palestinian population. Children are particularly vulnerable, with 28 children having died from hunger and malnutrition alone. The situation is critical, and timely delivery of life-saving food supplies is essential to prevent further loss of life.
Israel’s Actions and Violations
Despite international obligations and legal rulings, Israel persists in impeding the entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip. The Israeli authorities continue to obstruct the timely, efficient, and systematic delivery of aid via land crossings. Moreover, they impose additional restrictions on distribution and delivery operations within the enclave, particularly in the northern areas of the Strip. These actions violate Israel’s obligations as an occupying power and disregard the International Court of Justice’s ruling to ensure unimpeded aid delivery.
Urgent Calls for Action
The situation demands urgent attention and action from the international community. The following steps are crucial:
- Direct Air Bridge: Countries should establish a direct air bridge to the Gaza Strip, conducting frequent and heavy airdrops over the entire region, especially Gaza City and the northern Strip.
- Humanitarian Aid: Efforts must be made to ensure sufficient aid reaches the affected population. Israel’s decision to starve civilians by preventing aid from reaching them is unacceptable.
- Foiling Forced Displacement: Israel’s plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from the Strip must be confronted and foiled. The international community, including Jordan, France, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and the United States, should work together to address this crisis.
