The recent agreement between Hamas and Israel to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza to 600 trucks a day is seen as a positive step, but UN officials caution that more needs to be done to address the ongoing crisis in the region. According to the UN's Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, the increased aid is just the beginning of efforts to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
Kaag expressed concerns about security conditions and the presence of criminal gangs that could hinder the delivery of aid to Gaza. She emphasized the importance of ensuring rapid, unhindered, and uninterrupted access for humanitarian agencies to provide much-needed assistance to the people in Gaza.
Highlighting the challenges faced by humanitarian groups, Kaag called for streamlined processes, including fast visa approvals for staff and efficient checking of goods to avoid bureaucratic delays. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that in December, only 2,205 aid trucks entered Gaza, averaging around 71 trucks per day.
Despite the obstacles, Kaag remains committed to delivering aid to Gaza and is determined to overcome any challenges that may arise. She stressed the resilience of humanitarian efforts and the unwavering dedication to supporting the vulnerable population in Gaza.
