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WHO Warns of ‘Immense’ Health Crisis in Gaza

January 31, 2025, 11:54 pm

The United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that humanitarian needs in Gaza remain “immense” despite a rise in aid deliveries following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Rik Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, stated that Gaza’s health system is severely damaged, leading to a crisis in medical care and infrastructure.

Hospitals Struggling to Operate

Before the war, Gaza had a bed capacity of 3,500-4,000, which has now dropped to 1,500-1,900.
The WHO aims to raise this number to 2,000-2,500 as soon as possible.
Fuel shortages had previously hindered hospital operations, but recent aid deliveries have provided temporary relief.

Increase in Health Aid Deliveries

Peeperkorn confirmed that health aid shipments are increasing:

62 delivery trucks have arrived.
22 more trucks are expected in the next two days.

Despite these efforts, the overall destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system remains a significant concern, requiring sustained international support.

India Sends 2nd Foodgrain Assistance Tranche to Lesotho

January 14, 2025, 5:28 am

Mumbai, India: In a significant move to address food security challenges in Lesotho, India has dispatched the second tranche of humanitarian assistance comprising 1000 metric tonnes of sorghum (jowar). The consignment departed from Nhava Sheva Port in Mumbai on Monday.

This initiative underscores India’s commitment to South-South cooperation and solidarity with the southern African nation.

Strengthening South-South Partnership

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced the consignment via X, stating:
“India & Lesotho: Global South partners in solidarity. India sends the second tranche of foodgrain assistance for the people of Lesotho. This assistance will help address food security issues.”

India had previously sent 1000 metric tonnes of rice to Lesotho in December to aid in meeting the nutritional requirements of its people.

Strong Bilateral Relations

India and Lesotho share a long-standing partnership rooted in shared values. This relationship has been reinforced through frequent interactions and collaborative efforts across multiple domains.

October 2024: India GCC Trade Council hosted a UN South-South Cooperation meeting, attended by Lesotho’s ambassadors.
August 2024: The 5th Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation reviewed bilateral relations, focusing on development partnerships, trade, agriculture, health, and cultural exchanges.

Indian Community in Lesotho

Approximately 4000 Indian expatriates and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) reside in Lesotho, contributing significantly as professionals, educators, and business owners. The Indian Association in Lesotho organizes cultural events in collaboration with ICCR.

A Step Towards Food Security

This recent consignment of sorghum highlights India’s dedication to helping Lesotho combat food insecurity while fostering stronger global partnerships.

Sweden Ends Funding For UNRWA Over Hamas Ties, October 7 Attacks

December 21, 2024, 2:07 am

Sweden has officially ceased its financial contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa announced the decision during an interview with TV4, stating that Stockholm would now channel its humanitarian assistance to Gaza through alternative avenues.

The decision follows intensified international scrutiny of UNRWA’s operations after the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israeli communities near the Gaza border, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage.

Israel Welcomes Sweden’s Decision

Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli commended the move, accusing UNRWA of complicity in Hamas’s actions.

“UNRWA, whose personnel actively participated in the October 7 atrocities, whose facilities became terror hubs, and whose schools spread Hamas propaganda, has lost its legitimacy to exist,” Chikli stated on X (formerly Twitter).

Knesset member Yulia Malinovsky, who sponsored legislation to cut Israel’s ties with UNRWA, also praised the development.

“When Israel takes decisive action, the world follows,” she said, adding that Sweden’s decision mirrors Israel’s recent efforts to delegitimize the agency.

UNRWA Under Growing Scrutiny

UNRWA has faced allegations of harboring Hamas operatives and enabling militant activities. In February, Israeli forces uncovered a Hamas complex beneath UNRWA’s Gaza City headquarters, escalating concerns.

Hamas Ties: Israeli intelligence implicated UNRWA staff in supporting Hamas, including involvement in the October 7 attacks.
Financial Concerns: Israel’s largest bank froze UNRWA’s accounts over suspicious activity earlier this year.
Internal Investigations: A UN probe resulted in the termination of nine employees, though Israeli officials criticized the investigation as inadequate.

In May, UNRWA was evicted from its Jerusalem offices over lease violations, further fueling its critics.

A Unique and Controversial Mandate

Unlike the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which addresses global refugee crises, UNRWA exclusively serves Palestinian refugees and their descendants, a point of contention for its detractors. Critics argue this mandate perpetuates dependency and leaves the agency vulnerable to exploitation by militant groups.

Global Reassessment of UNRWA

Sweden’s decision aligns with a broader international reevaluation of UNRWA’s role and legitimacy. Earlier this year, Israel officially cut ties with the agency, and several lawsuits have been filed accusing it of aiding Hamas.

Humanitarian Aid Continues Through Other Channels

Despite halting UNRWA funding, Sweden has pledged to maintain its humanitarian support for Gaza, ensuring aid reaches those in need without potential ties to militant activities.

Call for Accountability

As debates over UNRWA’s future continue, international leaders emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in delivering humanitarian assistance to conflict zones like Gaza.

Gaza War: UN General Assembly To Vote On Gaza Ceasefire And Hostage Release Resolution

December 11, 2024, 10:33 am

UN General Assembly is set to vote Wednesday on a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, following the United States’ veto of a similar measure in the UN Security Council. Although non-binding, the resolution seeks an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire,” the release of all hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access to Gaza’s war-affected citizens.

The draft resolution responds to the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally. Hostage-taking during the attack left 251 individuals in captivity, with 96 still held in Gaza, including 34 reported dead. In retaliation, Israel’s military offensive has claimed over 44,786 lives, primarily civilians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, data the UN considers reliable.

Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour called Gaza “the bleeding heart of Palestine,” urging nations to act decisively. He described the humanitarian crisis as an ongoing nightmare that demands immediate international intervention.

Israel has criticized the resolution, with Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon accusing the UN of enabling a “glorification of terror.” The draft also requests UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to propose mechanisms to ensure accountability for violations of international law in Gaza.

A separate draft resolution seeks to ensure Israel respects UNRWA’s mandate, enabling continued humanitarian operations. Israel’s decision to ban the agency, effective January 28, has drawn global condemnation, including from its ally, the United States.

Lebanon Faces Crisis: Paris Conference Aims to Secure Humanitarian Aid Amid Ongoing Conflict

October 24, 2024, 4:25 pm

An aid conference aimed at raising hundreds of millions of dollars for Lebanon is set to commence in Paris on Thursday. The event seeks to encourage diplomatic progress for the war-torn nation, though significant political breakthroughs appear unlikely, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has resulted in over 1,500 deaths and displaced 700,000 people.

France’s Role and the Conference Goals

France, leveraging its historical ties with Lebanon, has been active in advocating for a ceasefire and providing humanitarian aid. However, its influence has diminished since Israel intensified military actions against Hezbollah in late September. Approximately 70 delegations and 15 international organizations are expected to attend the hastily arranged conference. Notably absent are key figures such as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The conference aims to underscore the necessity for a ceasefire by the 2006 UN Security Council resolution 1701 and mobilize international support for the estimated 500,000 to 1 million displaced individuals in Lebanon. To address the crisis, the country requires $250 million monthly for health, food, water, hygiene, and education. France hopes to raise around €500 million ($540 million) in humanitarian aid and bolster support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to help maintain stability and implement the resolution. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and other key ministers are set to attend, although neither Israel nor Iran was invited.

Historical Context: The Franco-Lebanese Relationship

France’s influence in Lebanon dates back to the Ottoman Empire and was solidified after World War I when the League of Nations granted France control over Lebanon and Syria. During the French mandate from 1920 to 1943, Lebanon’s borders were defined, and a government based on sectarian representation was established, shaping the country’s modern statehood. While France aimed to promote stability, its legacy of confessionalism has contributed to political deadlock and sectarian tensions.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite its historical ties, France faces challenges in influencing Lebanon due to regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia, which exert control through groups like Hezbollah and various Sunni factions. Lebanon currently grapples with severe challenges, including an economic crisis, political dysfunction, and social unrest. While France can provide support, the underlying causes of these issues are internal and structural, complicating foreign intervention efforts.

The Path Ahead

As Lebanon stands at a critical juncture, the Paris aid conference represents a pivotal opportunity for international stakeholders to rally behind the beleaguered nation. The success of the conference will depend not only on financial aid but also on the commitment of Lebanon’s leaders to undertake meaningful reforms. The international community must recognize that a sustainable solution to Lebanon’s multifaceted crisis requires immediate relief and long-term engagement focused on rebuilding trust, fostering political stability, and addressing the root causes of sectarian divisions. The outcomes of the conference will be closely scrutinized as Lebanon’s future hangs in the balance.

Israel Approves Humanitarian Pause for Polio Vaccination in Gaza: WHO

August 30, 2024, 6:17 pm

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Israel has agreed to a humanitarian pause to facilitate a mass polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. The initiative, set to begin on September 1, will involve temporary pauses in hostilities to allow for the vaccination of children.

Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, head of the WHO office for the West Bank and Gaza, confirmed that the vaccination campaign will start on September 1. The campaign, coordinated by WHO in partnership with UNRWA and UNICEF, aims to vaccinate over 640,000 children in Gaza through two rounds of vaccination.

The United Nations News Service posted on social media that Dr. Peeperkorn emphasized the importance of achieving at least 90 percent coverage in both rounds of the campaign. The WHO and its partners are working to ensure that the campaign can be conducted effectively during these humanitarian pauses.

According to another update from the UN News Service, discussions with Israeli authorities have resulted in an agreement for three-day humanitarian pauses. The post highlighted that while the situation is not ideal, these pauses represent a workable solution to facilitate the vaccination efforts. The WHO stressed that all parties involved must adhere to the agreed pauses to ensure the success of the campaign.

The need for this vaccination campaign arose following the detection of the poliovirus in environmental samples from Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah in July 2024. Additionally, three children with suspected acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), a symptom commonly associated with polio, have been reported in the Gaza Strip.

Polio, a highly contagious virus typically spread through contaminated water or food, can lead to severe health complications including paralysis, respiratory issues, and death. Although many countries have eradicated polio, the virus persists in areas with inadequate sanitation and sewage infrastructure.

UAE Boosts Sudan Aid With $230 Million Amid Ongoing Conflict

August 18, 2024, 5:02 pm

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues its humanitarian efforts to aid the people of Sudan, showcasing a long-standing commitment to support and relief. From 2014 to 2024, the UAE provided $3.5 billion in aid to Sudan. Since the outbreak of conflict in 2023, the UAE has contributed $230 million in assistance, according to a press release from the UAE Embassy in India.

Over 159 relief flights have transported more than 10,000 tonnes of food, medical supplies, and other relief materials. Furthermore, two field hospitals have been set up in Chad to provide care for Sudanese refugees. The Amdjarass Field Hospital has treated 24,741 patients, while the Abeche Field Hospital has provided care to 21,761 individuals, the press release noted.

In April, the UAE committed over USD 100 million in aid at the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighboring Countries in Paris. This aid includes $70 million for UN humanitarian organisations in Sudan, $30 million for refugees in neighbouring countries, $25 million for the World Food Programme, $20 million for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), $8 million for the World Health Organization (WHO), and $7 million for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Additionally, the UAE has donated $5 million each to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

“The UAE remains committed to supporting the Sudanese people during these challenging times, providing essential humanitarian aid and medical assistance to those affected by the ongoing crisis,” the UAE Embassy in India stated.

The origins of the current conflict in Sudan lie in the country’s turbulent political past. In 2019, a popular uprising led to the removal of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir, who had ruled for three decades. This revolution sparked hopes for a democratic transition, but the military, which had supported the uprising, quickly seized power. A civilian-military transitional government was formed, but conflicts between military and civilian leaders persisted.

In October 2021, these conflicts erupted into a military coup led by General al-Burhan, which dissolved the transitional government and further destabilized the country. Despite widespread protests and international criticism, the military maintained control. Divisions soon surfaced within the military, especially between the SAF and the RSF, which had transitioned from a paramilitary group to a part of the Sudanese military.

Disagreements over the integration of the RSF into the regular army and control over the military escalated into open conflict in April 2023. Both factions fought for control of strategic locations in Khartoum and other critical regions.

The conflict has caused a dire humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians killed, millions displaced, and extensive infrastructure damage. Essential services have been severely disrupted, resulting in shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Additionally, the conflict has spread to neighboring countries, worsening regional instability.

Putin Offers Humanitarian Aid To North Korea After Devastating Floods

August 5, 2024, 11:39 am

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended an offer of humanitarian aid to North Korea in response to severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall, according to Pyongyang’s state media, KCNA, on Sunday. This gesture marks a continuation of the growing closeness between the two nations.

The offer was conveyed in a message from Putin to Kim Jong Un, delivered on Saturday through the Russian embassy in Pyongyang. Putin’s message expressed deep sympathy and support for the flood-stricken country.

“Putin expressed his willingness to provide immediate humanitarian support for the recovery from the flood damage,” KCNA reported.

In his response, Kim Jong Un expressed gratitude for Putin’s offer. However, Kim noted that the North Korean government had already initiated measures to address the recovery work. He stated that he would request aid if it became necessary.

The northwestern regions of North Korea have experienced relentless rainfall in recent days, resulting in severe flooding. According to KCNA, the deluge has submerged over 4,000 homes and left around 5,000 residents stranded. Kim Jong Un personally visited the affected areas to oversee the rescue and recovery operations.

Notably, KCNA did not reference a separate proposal made last week by South Korea to provide relief supplies for the flood damage. Instead, the state media outlet released a statement from North Korea’s foreign ministry criticizing recent joint military exercises conducted by South Korea and US.

Last Thursday, South Korea’s unification ministry, which handles inter-Korean relations, announced its readiness to discuss flood relief efforts with North Korea’s Red Cross. This outreach is a rare move under the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

In recent months, Pyongyang and Moscow have significantly strengthened their diplomatic and security ties. Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin have exchanged visits and, in June, signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement.

As the North Korean government continues to manage the aftermath of the floods, the international community watches closely, noting the dynamic and evolving relationships in the region.

85 Patients Evacuated From Gaza To UAE For Treatment, Says WHO

July 31, 2024, 2:17 am

In a significant humanitarian operation, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that 85 critically ill and injured patients were evacuated from the Gaza Strip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for specialized medical care on Tuesday.

Patients and Conditions

The patients, consisting of 35 children and 50 adults, were accompanied by 63 family members and caregivers. They were transferred through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Israel, then to Ramon Airport near Eilat, and finally flown to Abu Dhabi.

Medical Conditions:

Cancer: 53 patients, including 4 children
Trauma Injuries: 20 patients
Blood Diseases: 3 patients (including thalassemia)
Congenital Conditions: 3 patients
Fanconi Anaemia: 2 patients
Neurological Condition: 1 patient
Cardiac Disease: 1 patient
Liver Disease: 1 patient
Renal Failure: 1 patient

Impact of the Conflict

The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel has resulted in significant casualties. The Hamas attack on southern Israel led to the deaths of 1,197 people, primarily civilians. Israel’s military response in Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 39,400 people, as per the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory.

Medical Evacuations

Since October, around 5,000 individuals have been evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment, with the majority receiving care in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE. Over 10,000 more people in Gaza are in urgent need of medical evacuation, according to WHO.

Call for Ceasefire and More Evacuations

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed gratitude to the UAE for facilitating the evacuation and stressed the need for establishing evacuation corridors through all possible routes, including the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings to Egypt and Jordan. He also called for the restoration of medical evacuations to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

“We hope this operation paves the way for more evacuation corridors and ultimately, a ceasefire to end the suffering,” Ghebreyesus said.

Crisis In Northern Nigeria: Rising Malnutrition Threatens Children

July 3, 2024, 4:29 pm

In northern Nigeria, there is a serious rise in malnutrition among children due to widespread food insecurity affecting 31.8 million people, the highest globally. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports crowded treatment centers, admitting 1,250 children in April, twice as many as last year. Severe malnutrition has caused other health problems like tuberculosis and acute diarrhea, with over 52,000 cases in 2023 across seven states, resulting in 2,693 deaths.

Food prices are rising by nearly 30%, economic instability, and violence from groups like Boko Haram are causing a crisis in northern Nigeria. Many people have been forced from their homes, making it even harder to find enough to eat. Though the government is releasing some stored grain to help, the World Food Program says over 26 million Nigerians might go hungry before the year’s end

Despite efforts so far, MSF emphasizes the urgent need for more funds and aid to avoid more suffering among vulnerable children. This underscores the crucial requirement for ongoing global assistance to prevent the humanitarian crisis from getting worse.

Union Island Devastated By Hurricane Beryl: Urgent Call For Aid

July 3, 2024, 12:37 pm

After Hurricane Beryl hit Union Island, Katrina Coy on 2 July, a local shared a video message detailing the massive destruction. She reported that almost every building was damaged or destroyed, leaving most residents homeless. The hurricane caused extensive damage, flattening houses, blocking roads, and knocking down electricity poles.

Sebastien Sailly, a fisherman who has lived on the island for many years, agreed with Coy. He said Beryl was worse than Hurricane Ivan in 2004, destroying 90% of the island and leaving his family barely escaping harm. Alizee, Sebastien’s cousin who runs a hotel, described the harrowing experience of sheltering from the intense winds and pressure, which caused severe damage and flooding.

The island’s urgent needs are shelter, food, and water. People are using whatever materials they can find to make temporary shelters. They urgently need supplies like canned food, powdered milk, sanitary products, first-aid kits, tents, and generators. Communication is difficult, but Alizee has managed to send messages using the Starlink network.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines acknowledged the severe damage and suffering caused by Hurricane Beryl. He promised a quick response, but there are doubts about whether the government can handle the extensive damage without international help. Sebastien Sailly expressed concerns that rebuilding the island could take more than a year and billions of dollars.

Katrina Coy, head of the Union Island Environmental Alliance, asked the Caribbean community for help, stressing the urgent need for emergency supplies and evacuation. Her important work on water security was destroyed by the hurricane.

Hurricane Beryl hit as a category four storm with 150 mph winds, leaving thousands without power and many in temporary shelters across St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and St Lucia. Despite the extensive damage, Sebastien Sailly found comfort in knowing his neighbors survived, valuing human life over material losses.

India Sends 90 Tonnes of ‘Made In India’ Pharmaceuticals As Humanitarian Aid To Cuba

June 2, 2024, 2:24 pm

India has extended humanitarian assistance to Cuba, including a shipment of approximately 90 tonnes of nine Made-in-India Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced this in a release on Sunday.

The consignment departed from Gujarat’s Mundra Port on Sunday. According to the MEA, these APIs will be utilized by Cuban pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce essential antibiotics in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, syrups, and injections, to treat chronic communicable diseases.

Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the MEA, posted on X, “India sends humanitarian assistance to Cuba. A consignment of 90 tonnes of nine ‘Made in India’ APIs left Mundra port for Cuba today. The APIs will support the manufacture of essential medicines.”

The MEA emphasized that this assistance reinforces India’s reputation as the “Pharmacy of the World” and highlights the longstanding friendship between India and Cuba.

India and Cuba have traditionally maintained warm and friendly relations. India was one of the first countries to recognize Cuba following the 1959 Revolution. Both nations share similar views on democratizing the United Nations and expanding the UN Security Council, with Cuba considering the reform of the UN Security Council central to the overall reform process, according to the MEA.

Qatar Sends Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan Amid Floods

May 14, 2024, 3:24 pm

In the midst of floods in Afghanistan, a 22-ton consignment of humanitarian aid from Qatar for the flood victims of Baghlan province has arrived in Mazar-e-Sharif, as reported by TOLO News. The aid, including food, medicine, tents, and other essentials, was delivered to officials at Maulana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi airport on Monday in Mazar-e-Sharif.

During the delivery, the Qatari representative emphasized Doha’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to the flood-affected people in Afghanistan. Fahd Abdullah Al-Dosari, head of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group of Qatar, stated, “This is our first shipment of aid. These 22 tons of supplies include medicine, tents, and other necessities for the affected people, and Qatar will continue its relief efforts for the flood victims in Afghanistan.”

Afghanistan views Qatar’s support as crucial and has appealed to other nations for assistance. Mohammad Alam Jamil, the financial and administrative deputy of the Ministry of Economy, mentioned, “This 22-ton shipment includes tents, camp beds, and food items. This aid is not the last; perhaps five more planes will come.”

While expressing gratitude for Qatar’s gesture, some affected families and residents of Baghlan province urged for the prompt transfer and distribution of the aid. Shah Wali, a flood victim in Baghlan, remarked, “We are pleased that they are helping. We want other countries to help these people too because they have suffered a lot and have had casualties.”

The initial shipment of Qatar’s humanitarian aid was handed over to local officials in Balkh province. Criticism arose previously regarding the slow distribution of humanitarian aid in Baghlan. Additionally, the World Food Programme reported that due to heavy floods, most affected areas, including Baghlan, are inaccessible by vehicles, prompting aid workers to use donkeys for transferring emergency supplies.

The floods have led to a significant humanitarian crisis, causing extensive damage in provinces like Badakhshan, Ghor, Baghlan, and Herat. Nearly 2,000 homes have been damaged, and widespread destruction has occurred in these areas.

Israeli Officials: Gaza sees record number of Humanitarian aid trucks

April 11, 2024, 9:20 pm

Israeli officials reported the largest influx of humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza on Tuesday since Oct 7.

The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), that a total of 468 trucks entered the Strip on Tuesday.

“Israel is surging aid into Gaza, with over 1200 trucks entering in 3 days (avg 400/day),” COGAT tweeted. “Right now, 500 trucks worth lying on the Gaza side of [Kerem Shalom] waiting to be picked up by UN agencies.”

The tweet added, “@UN, Do your job, focus on distribution, and stop blaming Israel for your colossal failures.”

COGAT, a division operating within the Israeli Defense Ministry, oversees civilian matters in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza, facilitating coordination among the government, military, international organizations, and the Palestinian Authority.

Israeli officials refuted allegations that security inspections were causing delays in the delivery of essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine.

David Mencer, a spokesperson for Israel’s National Public Diplomacy Directorate, On Tuesday stated, “Yesterday alone, enough food went into Gaza to feed every single person there. The U.N. fails to distribute it and Hamas steals it.”

Hamas recently reduced food prices. According to Gaza residents who spoke to The Press Service of Israel the issue lies not in a scarcity of food but rather in families lacking the funds to purchase it.

The passage of aid deliveries in Israel sparks controversy. Food, water, and fuel deliveries are frequently stolen by Hamas upon arrival in the Strip. Israeli authorities have sidelined UNRWA, the embattled UN Relief and Works Agency, from distributing essential supplies due to concerns over its staff’s ties to Hamas. Recent revelations have indicated that many UNRWA staff members, including some involved in the Oct 7 attacks, are members of Hamas.

At Israeli protests against humanitarian food supplies, the phrase “Don’t feed Hamas” is frequently heard. The families of hostages have also urged the government to use the aid to obtain information, access, and the release of their loved ones who are in captive.

On Oct 7, Hamas attacked Israeli communities close to the Gaza border, resulting in at least 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of 240 Israelis and foreigners. Israel has declared 31 hostages out of the remaining 134 to be dead.