UN Agency Pauses Aid Delivery to Gaza Due to Safety Concerns
GAZA, Dec 1 (Bernama-Xinhua) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has decided to pause aid delivery through the Kerem Shalom crossing, a main entry point for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, due to ongoing safety concerns along the route.
Security Concerns Rise
On November 16, a large convoy of aid trucks was stolen by armed gangs, and on Saturday, a few food trucks were also taken, according to the UNRWA. The agency stated that the responsibility to protect aid workers and supplies lies with the State of Israel as the occupying power, and that they must ensure aid flows into Gaza safely.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini emphasized that this decision comes at a time when hunger is rapidly deepening in Gaza. "The delivery of humanitarian aid must never be dangerous or turn into an ordeal," he said. In Gaza, the humanitarian operation has become unnecessarily impossible due to "the ongoing siege, hurdles from Israeli authorities, political decisions to restrict the amounts of aid, lack of safety on aid routes and targeting of local police."
Aid Convoy Looted
A UN convoy of 109 trucks carrying food supplies was "violently looted" on November 16 after entering Gaza, with 97 trucks in total lost and drivers forced at gunpoint to unload aid, according to the UNRWA. On November 18, Hamas said 20 people were killed in a security operation east of Rafah, southern Gaza, which targeted gangs accused of looting aid trucks entering Gaza.
Background
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups has led to a significant deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The coastal strip has been under an Israeli and Egyptian blockade since 2007, making it difficult for aid to enter the territory.
Conclusion
The UN agency’s decision to pause aid delivery is a reflection of the increasingly precarious situation in Gaza. The agency has called on Israel to take responsibility for ensuring the safe passage of aid into the territory. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community must come together to find a solution to this pressing issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why has the UN agency paused aid delivery to Gaza?
A: The UN agency has paused aid delivery due to ongoing safety concerns along the route, including the theft of aid trucks and the lack of safety on aid routes.
Q: What are the reasons behind the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
A: The reasons include the ongoing siege, hurdles from Israeli authorities, political decisions to restrict the amounts of aid, lack of safety on aid routes and targeting of local police.
Q: What can be done to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza?
A: The international community must come together to find a solution to the crisis. This includes calling on Israel to take responsibility for ensuring the safe passage of aid into the territory and increasing international pressure on the Israeli government to lift the blockade.