The News Teller- Urgent Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding in Gaza
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has raised alarm over the worsening famine situation in Gaza, particularly in the northern part of the enclave. Aid agencies are struggling to deliver much-needed food supplies to the region, with deliveries reportedly halted for over a month now.
According to UNRWA, at least 500,000 people are on the brink of famine in Gaza, with nearly the entire population of 2.3 million facing acute food shortages. The lack of access to humanitarian aid has been attributed to Israel, which has been accused of delaying aid deliveries to Gaza.
Israel has denied these allegations, citing lengthy checking procedures for aid trucks at the single entry point it has opened since the conflict began. Furthermore, Israeli right-wing protesters have reportedly blocked aid convoys at entry points, further complicating the situation on the ground.
UNRWA has emphasized the urgent need for regular humanitarian access to Gaza to prevent a full-blown famine. The agency has warned of a looming crisis if aid deliveries are not expedited to the region. However, Israel maintains that it has not placed any limits on the amount of humanitarian aid that can be sent to Gaza.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to hear Israel’s report on its efforts to prevent suffering in Gaza, amidst accusations of failing to adhere to the court’s orders to increase humanitarian aid deliveries. Human Rights Watch has also criticized Israel for allegedly obstructing aid missions to Gaza, further exacerbating the crisis.
UN Chief Antonio Guterres has cautioned against a potential full-scale military operation by Israel in Rafah, as it could jeopardize aid programmes in Gaza. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as efforts are made to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.
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