Gaza: The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has voiced strong criticism against the humanitarian aid distribution system in Gaza, which is supported by both the United States and Israel. The agency condemned the system as 'humiliating' and inadequate in addressing the severe hunger crisis resulting from Israel's blockade.
According to Anadolu Agency, the UNRWA highlighted ongoing violence at distribution points overseen by Israel and private security firms. The agency reported casualties and injuries among Palestinians queuing for food. On a recent incident, Israeli forces fired artillery shells and live rounds at people waiting for aid near the Netzarim corridor, leading to the deaths of 36 individuals and injuries to 208 others, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.
UNRWA criticized the current aid distribution framework for forcing thousands of people to travel extensive distances, effectively sidelining the most vulnerable populations. The agency emphasized that the system fails to tackle hunger effectively and advocated for UN oversight of aid operations, citing its expertise and trust within the community.
The agency urged the lifting of the Gaza blockade to enable the safe and unhindered delivery of aid, warning of the risk of mass starvation, especially among the enclave's 1 million children. UNRWA disclosed that its warehouses outside Gaza house aid supplies for 6,000 truckloads, which risk spoilage if not distributed promptly.
Since May 27, Israel has implemented a new aid initiative in Gaza through the 'Gaza Relief Foundation,' bypassing UN channels. Palestinians largely perceive this move as an attempt to forcibly relocate residents from northern to southern Gaza. Concurrently, Israel has maintained the closure of Gaza's main border crossings since March 2, allowing only a limited number of aid trucks to enter, despite the need for at least 500 trucks daily to meet the population's basic needs.
The Israeli military continues its offensive in Gaza, which began in October 2023, resulting in the deaths of almost 55,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. In response to these actions, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.