Israeli airstrikes escalate; aid access to Gaza in crisis
At least six people involved in safeguarding humanitarian aid convoys were killed in Israeli airstrikes conducted on Friday, according to authorities in the Gaza Strip.
In response to the escalating violence, aid organisations and the UN have once again called on Israel to allow access for food convoys to the Palestinian enclave.
The airstrikes occurred a day after the World Food Programme (WFP) reported the looting of 15 lorries transporting flour to local bakeries.
The Israeli authorities reported that on Thursday alone, 107 lorries carrying food, flour, and medical supplies entered Gaza, and since Monday – following a partial easing of the blockade – a total of 305. However, according to UN data, the needs of civilians in temporary camps require deliveries of 500 to 600 lorries daily.
Palestinian humanitarian organisations report that since the beginning of the week, 119 aid lorries have reached Gaza. Their effective distribution is further hindered by organised groups of looters. The UN noted on Friday that the amount of aid reaching Gaza is merely "teaspoon" of needs.
The Israeli army intensified its offensive on Gaza in the middle of the month. Its declared goal is the eradication of Hamas and the release of hostages taken on 7th October 2023. Meanwhile, according to the Palestinian side, the Israeli operation has claimed the lives of over 50,000 civilians and led to a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
