Tel Aviv — Facing pressure from various allies, including the U.S., to increase humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, Israel maintains that it is already doing everything within its capacity. The country points fingers at the United Nations, holding it responsible for the starvation of thousands of Palestinians in the conflict-ridden region. In a social media update on Wednesday morning, the Israeli government asserted that it had "enhanced its capabilities" and shared a video showcasing numerous white containers filled with aid, ready for collection within Gaza.
"This is the equivalent of 700 aid trucks' worth of supplies. It is currently stationed on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom, awaiting pickup by UN agencies," stated COGAT, the Israeli governmental agency overseeing Palestinian territories. The post continued, "The UN has only provided excuses. Aid must be collected and distributed. The UN must fulfill its responsibilities."
The United Nations emphasizes the challenges of distributing food in Gaza due to the severe destruction of infrastructure. Roads, health facilities, water sources, and food production sites have been decimated, hindering aid operations.
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"The problem is that famine is much more complex," explained Andrea De Dominico, head of the U.N. office for humanitarian affairs in the Palestinian territories. "It's much bigger than simply bringing in flour and baking a few loaves of bread."
In northern Gaza, Israel announced the revival of two bakeries after six months, providing fuel and flour. For many residents, these bakeries serve as a crucial lifeline.
"It had reached the point where we were eating animal feed," shared Gaza resident Wissam Dawad.
However, the situation remains dire. Khaled al-Ghoula reported waiting six hours for bread.
Humanitarian workers strive to meet the constant demand at emergency food distribution points. Despite their efforts, a third of children under two in Gaza are currently acutely malnourished, according to UNICEF. Prior to Israel's military response to Hamas' terror attack on Oct. 7, UNICEF had not identified any acutely malnourished children in the region.
