The first humanitarian aid convoy to reach the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of war has finally entered through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt. The convoy, consisting of 20 trucks, carries life-saving supplies such as medicine and limited amounts of food to be received by the Palestinian Red Crescent. The situation in Gaza has been described as catastrophic, with the United Nations stating that at least 100 trucks a day are needed to cover urgent needs. Before the conflict, around 450 aid trucks were entering Gaza daily. Israel has imposed a total blockade on Gaza and launched air strikes in response to an attack by Hamas. The delivery of aid is expected to be the start of a sustained effort to provide essential supplies to the 2.3 million residents of Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, according to U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths. The blockade imposed by Israel and the ongoing conflict have led to food shortages and a critical lack of fuel needed to power hospital generators. Israel has refused to allow aid to enter from its territory until Hamas releases hostages taken during the attack. However, aid can enter through Egypt as long as it does not end up in the hands of Hamas. The aid convoy received at the Rafah border crossing did not include fuel and will only be distributed to southern areas of Gaza, where Israel has advised civilians to gather. The Palestinian Red Crescent has increased its logistical and operational abilities to distribute the aid, including renting storage facilities in Khan Younis and Rafah.
Efforts to provide aid to Gaza have been met with obstacles due to the ongoing conflict and diplomatic tensions. Foreign states have been pushing to evacuate their passport holders from Gaza, and the opening of the Rafah crossing could potentially allow foreigners to leave the territory. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the border to push for the entry of aid, emphasizing that relief delivery should not be linked to the release of hostages or the evacuation of foreigners. The situation in Gaza remains dire, and sustained and scaled-up aid deliveries are crucial to address the urgent needs of the population.
