GENEVA: The United Nations has accused Israeli forces of “systematically” obstructing access to vital aid in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and endangering the lives of Palestinian civilians in the war-torn region.
Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where it has become increasingly challenging to carry out essential medical evacuations and aid deliveries, particularly in the northern areas. According to Laerke, all planned aid convoys into the north have been denied by Israeli authorities in recent weeks, severely impeding relief efforts.
Israel Disrupting Aid Deliveries to Gaza
Even convoys that have received prior clearance from Israeli authorities have faced obstruction or come under fire, exacerbating the already precarious conditions on the ground. Laerke cited a recent incident involving a WHO-led convoy, which was blocked for hours by Israeli forces as it attempted to evacuate patients from Al Amal hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Paramedics were reportedly detained, and patients and staff were forced out of ambulances.
“This is not an isolated incident,” Laerke emphasized, highlighting a pattern of aid convoys being denied access and facing hostility.
The lack of adequate facilitation for aid delivery poses significant risks to humanitarian workers, who are subjected to unacceptable dangers, including detention and injury, Laerke warned.
The ongoing military campaign by Israel in Gaza has resulted in a devastating toll on civilians, with at least 29,878 Palestinian people killed, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
