A humanitarian official issued a warning on Wednesday regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza amidst the focus on Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington, DC. The official highlighted that the flow of humanitarian goods into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing has been severely impacted due to the unloading zone being full for weeks. This situation has been exacerbated by high insecurity, lawlessness, and ongoing bombardments in areas under Israeli military operation, hindering the collection and distribution of essential aid.
According to the Mercy Corps Vice President of Global Policy and Advocacy, Kate Phillips-Barrasso, the access constraints have prevented reaching an estimated 127,000 people with life-saving assistance over the past 2.5 months. The lack of access not only poses a threat of famine and diseases but also raises concerns about a potential polio outbreak. The detection of the poliovirus in sewage samples has heightened fears of a public health crisis in Gaza.
The official emphasized that the situation in Gaza is a 'slow-motion train wreck' that demands urgent attention and action. While political discussions and international visits take center stage, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, putting countless lives at risk. The need for immediate intervention to address the access constraints and provide essential aid to the vulnerable population in Gaza is critical to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
