Limited Aid and Food Trucks Entering Northern Gaza from Israel
JUST three trucks distributing food and water have been allowed into northern Gaza by the Israeli military in the last two and a half months, according to Oxfam. The aid organization reported that only 25 trucks of food and water have been granted permission to enter the North Gaza governorate since October 6 this year, when Israel heightened its military siege of Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun.
Oxfam revealed that a convoy of 11 trucks was initially delayed last month at the holding point by the Israeli military at Jabalia, where some food meant for starving civilians was taken. Eventually, after receiving the green light to proceed to the destination, the trucks were stopped again at a military checkpoint. Here, soldiers forced the drivers to offload the aid in a militarized zone inaccessible to civilians.
### Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The situation in northern Gaza is dire, with international organizations like Oxfam condemning the deliberate delays and systematic obstruction from Israeli authorities, hindering the delivery of lifesaving aid. As the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned of an imminent famine in the region, humanitarian organizations on the ground were receiving distress calls from vulnerable individuals trapped in homes and shelters without food or water.
### Personal Story of Struggle and Resilience
One man forced to evacuate with his family from Al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza painted a heartbreaking picture of their daily struggles. “Adults tell the kids not to play so they don’t get dizzy. One pack of biscuits is all we have for 15 grandchildren,” he shared. The challenges of obtaining basic necessities like shelter and power in such conditions were overwhelming, demonstrating the urgent need for international intervention.
### Call to Action for Global Support
Sally Abi-Khalil, Oxfam’s Middle East and North Africa director, described the situation in Gaza as apocalyptic, with people trapped in unimaginable conditions without food or shelter. She pleaded with world leaders to take immediate action to stop the suffering and prevent further loss of civilian lives. The international community was urged to use diplomatic and economic leverage to compel Israel to cease its actions and prevent the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The ongoing struggles in northern Gaza underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the escalating crisis and provide essential aid to those in dire need.