The reconnected U.S.-built pier off the coast of the Gaza Strip, while a step in the right direction, is unable to meet the substantial aid requirements of Palestinians, according to the head of the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean region. Dr. Hanan Balkhy emphasized the limited impact of the pier in addressing the urgent needs of the population, stressing the necessity of utilizing land routes for more efficient aid delivery.
Following Israel's ground operation in Rafah, aid delivery to Gaza has significantly decreased, with over 50 WHO trucks stranded on the Egyptian side of the crossing and minimal access through the Kerem Shalom crossing. Despite Israel's claims of allowing aid through, challenges persist in the actual delivery and distribution of essential supplies.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in devastating consequences, with over 37,600 fatalities and 86,000 injuries reported by Gaza's Health Ministry. The displacement of 1.3 million individuals from Rafah has led to overcrowded living conditions and a heightened risk of famine in the enclave.
Experts have raised concerns about the dire situation in Gaza, highlighting shortages of fuel, medicine, and essential commodities. Hospitals are struggling to operate effectively, exacerbating the threat of infectious diseases due to poor hygiene and malnutrition among the population.
WHO has faced challenges in evacuating critically ill patients from Gaza for urgent medical treatment abroad, further underscoring the pressing humanitarian needs in the region. While some aid has been delivered to select hospitals in northern Gaza, the overall scale of assistance falls short of addressing the widespread crisis.
The international community continues to criticize the reliance on sea-based aid delivery, advocating for increased access through land border crossings to ensure more comprehensive support for the people of Gaza. Efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remain a top priority amid escalating tensions and mounting challenges in delivering essential aid to those in need.
For more updates on the situation in Gaza, visit AP's coverage of the war in Gaza.
