Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a new phase of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, stating that Israel intends to significantly increase the entry of aid into the enclave. This decision comes following US pressure on Israel, with Gallant emphasizing the importance of the relationship with the United States in shaping their approach.
Gallant revealed plans to ramp up aid delivery to Gaza, aiming to reach 500 trucks per day. This initiative was influenced by discussions during his recent visit to the United States, where the connection between operational goals and humanitarian efforts was highlighted.
The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), responsible for coordinating aid into Gaza, reported a doubling in the number of trucks entering the enclave this week compared to the previous week. However, the UN's main aid agency in Gaza has not confirmed a similar increase in aid flow.
Concerns have been raised about the challenges faced in delivering aid to Gaza, with reports of goods being subjected to inconsistent controls. Authorities are cautious about allowing the entry of 'dual-use goods' that could potentially be utilized for military purposes by groups like Hamas.
Despite these challenges, Israel's commitment to increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza signals a positive step towards addressing the needs of the population in the enclave. The influx of aid is expected to provide essential support to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza.