Israel is facing strong criticism from the United Nations regarding the potential famine in the Gaza Strip during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The Israeli military imposes a stringent blockade on the Gaza Strip, limiting the entry of goods. However, in response to these concerns, Israel has stated that it has started providing food aid to the 140-square-mile strip, thereby increasing the flow of essential supplies.
The Israeli military asserts that it has permitted approximately 150 trucks per day over the last two weeks. However, ABC News has not been able to verify this number independently.
According to the UN, the distribution of aid to the 70% of Gazans who are suffering from “catastrophic hunger” has been restricted due to security concerns and ongoing military operations by the IDF in areas where the hunger crisis is most severe, including the northern part of Gaza. There are fears that famine may have already begun in these areas.
In an interview with ABC News, Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari, Israel’s chief military spokesman, stated that Israel has created new entry points into Gaza to facilitate truck traffic. However, the main concern lies not in the quantity of aid entering Gaza, but rather in the efficient distribution of that aid upon arrival.
Hagari explained that the bottleneck in the distribution process is not caused by the trucks themselves. Instead, the main issues are the looting and stealing that occur during the distribution. He emphasized the need for collaboration between the international organization and WFP to address these challenges and find effective solutions.
According to a UN official, the distribution of aid in Gaza has faced challenges due to the worsening security situation.
According to Matthew Hollinsworth from the World Food Programme, they have the capability to provide food for the entire population of Gaza, which currently stands at 2.2 million people. However, in order to do so, they require efficient crossings, whether it be by road or by sea. They also need fast processing, as well as the safety and security of their staff who will be delivering the food, as well as the recipients themselves.
He emphasized that in order to attain safety and security, a cease-fire is the only viable solution.
The issue of providing assistance to the northern area of the Gaza Strip arises amidst Israel’s ongoing operation in Gaza City’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa. According to Hagari, Israel has reportedly eliminated numerous individuals believed to be Hamas fighters in the vicinity of the hospital complex, while also detaining over 300 individuals.
According to Hagari, the IDF has provided emergency rations and water to the roughly 2,500 civilians seeking refuge in the hospital complex. He also asserts that no patients, civilian doctors, or medical staff were harmed during the incident.
According to sources from Hagari and Palestinian sources at the hospital, there is currently a tense situation unfolding at the emergency department. It is reported that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives have taken refuge in the area. When questioned about the approach Israel plans to take in resolving the standoff, Hagari responded that they would proceed slowly and cautiously.
According to Israeli officials, Hamas carried out a surprise terror attack on October 7 in southern Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of over 1,200 lives. The war, which has been ongoing, has caused immense suffering, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting that more than 31,000 Palestinians have lost their lives and nearly 74,000 have been injured.
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