As Gaza faces the second month of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, that has forced an important change. Israel has begun to ease humanitarian relief, unblocking its 11-week blockade. David Satterfield, another senior U.S. official, added that the need for more aid is urgent. He sounded the alarm that we require “hundreds of trucks” to prevent an approaching famine. The newly installed Israeli government was bombarded by international pressure to remove their draconian aid restrictions. The situation became more desperate by the day, with independent reports stating that more than 53,000 Palestinians were killed in the hostilities.
Even though the blockade is starting to ease, the humanitarian situation is still dire. Satterfield made it clear that the level of aid being delivered now just isn’t enough. He stated, “You need hundreds of trucks per day, 300, 400 per day — they’re going to suffer predation but you need to keep going.” This should bring into sharp focus the precarious state of the humanitarian response as Gaza prepares to face an even harsher reality.
Humanitarian Efforts Amidst Devastation
This continued bombardment, alongside the widespread destruction, has been a humanitarian catastrophe within the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. As it stands, the healthcare system is crumbling under the pressure. By Sunday, local health authorities had reported at least 70 deaths in southern Gaza from airstrikes since Israel’s military told civilians to evacuate southward. The ongoing violence in the area has compounded the already great demand for medical supplies, food, and other essentials.
Bakeries across southern Gaza are starting to reopen after three weeks of being shut down. This move comes on the heels of the easing of the U.S. blockade. A bakery in Deir Al-Balah that was forced to close recently reopened after receiving flour from the United Nations World Food Programme. Baker Ahmed Al-Banna gave a sigh of relief, saying that as soon as supplies came, “We got to work right away.” Lines wrapped around his bakery as city residents clamored for their staple food during a pandemic.
The obstacles to getting that aid quickly distributed are still daunting. Looting and desperate civilians robbing humanitarian convoys further complicate the already dangerous environment. These challenges make it extremely difficult for us to serve the most vulnerable populations. Satterfield acknowledged these challenges, noting that they can be an obstacle to efficient distribution.
Political Developments and Ceasefire Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Ben. This pause would facilitate the safe return of hostages taken in the new outbreak of violence. He stated that the Israeli government is “ready” to accept such a ceasefire under specific conditions. This possible change in approach would be welcome indeed, given that the world increasingly urges an end to hostilities and a return to diplomacy.
As calls for a ceasefire go on, the most urgent need is humanitarian relief. Real progress is being made on plans for the establishment of a humanitarian aid distribution point in southern Gaza. We hope to have it completed in the next few days. Among other urgent needs, the South has been experiencing a desperate lack of supplies as the region continues to feel the effects of the pandemic.
The Road Ahead for Gaza
While aid has finally started to flow into Gaza, the ground reality continues to be overwhelming and chaotic. Without ongoing support, experts are cautioning that a crisis is on the way. They make it clear that strong humanitarian measures must be taken immediately to prevent a deluge of famine and continued deaths.
Although many bakeries have since reopened, local residents are often still feeling far-reaching impacts of their inability to access basic needs. The possibility of a long-sought temporary ceasefire brings a glimmer of hope, but as you can see, there’s no doubt about how much remains to be done.
