Gaza Strip, Palestine – The United Nations has described the recent delivery of nine humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza as “a drop in the ocean” when compared to the vast needs of the civilian population affected by the ongoing conflict.
The statement was made by Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), during a press briefing in Geneva. “We need a flood of aid into Gaza, not just a trickle,” Laerke emphasized. “Nine trucks a day is nowhere near enough to sustain 2.2 million people, many of whom are facing hunger, lack of clean water, and little or no access to medical care.”
Critical Shortages Persist
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas war that began in October 2023. According to the UN and multiple aid agencies, the blockade and heavy restrictions on aid delivery have caused widespread shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel.
Before the conflict, Gaza typically received around 500 truckloads of goods daily, including both commercial and humanitarian supplies. However, since the outbreak of war, the number has drastically fallen. Even after the opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing to facilitate aid shipments, access remains limited and inconsistent.
Aid Access Remains Restricted
The Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a critical entry point for humanitarian relief, has been closed since early May 2024 after Israeli forces launched a military operation in the area. While Israel has stated it allows aid through the Kerem Shalom crossing, international organizations say logistical delays, inspection procedures, and security conditions are slowing the process.
The UN says it needs at least 300 trucks a day to meet basic humanitarian needs. In comparison, between May 13 and May 19, an average of fewer than 20 aid trucks per day entered Gaza, according to OCHA’s latest reports.
Civilian Toll Mounting
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, over 53,339 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, with many of them reportedly civilians. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned of the collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza, where only a handful of hospitals remain partially functional due to fuel shortages, infrastructure damage, and the influx of injured patients.
UN agencies and NGOs continue to call for a sustained ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and unhindered humanitarian access. In response to the growing international pressure, talks are ongoing between Israel, Egypt, and international mediators to reestablish a secure humanitarian corridor.
Conclusion
While the arrival of nine aid trucks signals some movement in humanitarian efforts, international bodies argue that significantly more is required to address the scale of suffering in Gaza. Without a dramatic and sustained increase in aid, the humanitarian situation is expected to deteriorate further in the coming weeks.
Sources:
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Gaza Ministry of Health
- Statements from Israeli and Egyptian officials
- Photo Credit: Sky News
