Israel falling short of US benchmark on Gaza humanitarian aid
Israeli authorities are falling far short of a US-set benchmark on the amount of humanitarian aid that must enter Gaza, more than halfway through a 30-day timeframe provided by Washington to improve the situation or risk facing restrictions on military assistance.
Citing UN data, The Associated Press news agency reports that by the end of October, an average of only 71 aid trucks had entered Gaza per day.
That’s hundreds fewer than the 350 required by the US, as part of demands outlined in an October 13 letter penned by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin over concerns Israeli restrictions are starving Palestinian civilians in the besieged enclave.
Data from Israeli military body COGAT, which is in charge of managing aid in Gaza, also shows supplies entering Gaza in October (26,399 tonnes) fell to under a third of their levels in September (87,446 tonnes).
“There’s been progress, but it’s insufficient, and we’re working on a daily basis to make sure Israel does what it must do to ensure that this assistance gets to people who need it inside of Gaza,” Blinken told reporters on Thursday.
“It’s not enough to get trucks to Gaza. It’s vital that what they bring with them can get distributed effectively inside of Gaza,” he added.
Challenges of delivering humanitarian relief in Gaza – UNRWA senior emergency officer
Louise Wateridge, senior emergency officer for UNRWA, has told Al Jazeera of the pressing need for humanitarian supplies in Gaza, mentioning that only a limited number of trucks are currently arriving – far below what’s necessary to meet the needs of the community.
Speaking from the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, Wateridge highlighted the challenges facing UNRWA, describing how essential supplies are in high demand across the Strip. Even the distribution of goods poses major logistical and security risks due to bombings, she said.
As winter approaches, Wateridge expressed deep concern over the increased demand for winter-specific aid, especially given UNRWA’s complex relationship with Israeli authorities, which limits cooperation.
