UN: Urgent aid into Gaza still far too slow - As-salamu alaykum
As-salamu alaykum. Gaza is still desperate for humanitarian help even though there's been some progress delivering more aid since the ceasefire began last month, the UN says.
Two years of Israeli restrictions on getting aid into the territory, including months of total blockade, caused widespread hunger. Under the ceasefire that started on October 10, Gaza was meant to get 600 lorries a day, but actual deliveries have been much lower.
The UN and partners have managed to bring in about 37,000 tonnes of aid, mostly food, since the ceasefire, but that is far from enough, UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters.
He said that despite some increase in humanitarian efforts, people’s needs remain huge and obstacles haven’t been removed quickly enough. Entry into Gaza is still limited to just two crossings, there’s no direct access to northern Gaza from Israel or to southern Gaza from Egypt, and staff from non-governmental aid groups are being blocked from going in.
The UN also said it had distributed food parcels to around one million people in Gaza since the ceasefire, but stressed they are still racing to save lives. The World Food Programme urged that all crossings be opened so aid can reach the areas hit by famine, and noted no reason was given for keeping the northern crossings with Israel closed.
According to some officials, a multinational Civil Military Co-ordination Centre set up to monitor the ceasefire is overseeing aid delivery. Israel has had a reduced role while another country took a leading part in decisions about entry and distribution of humanitarian supplies.
Israel faces international accusations over its aid blockades and attacks that the UN says led to famine declarations and the destruction of homes, medical facilities and infrastructure, with tens of thousands killed, mostly civilians. Turkey announced arrest warrants for Israeli leaders on charges of genocide, accusing them of crimes against humanity. Israel rejected those charges.
May Allah ease the suffering of the people of Gaza and grant patience and relief to all those affected. Please remember them in your duas and support legitimate humanitarian efforts however you can.
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