Geneva: The Israeli aid distribution plan, known as the Gaza Humanitarian Fund, is a 'distraction' from what is needed, a United Nations spokesperson said on Tuesday.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), emphasized that the UN does not participate in this modality, citing it as a diversion from addressing the actual necessities. Laerke urged the reopening of all crossings into Gaza, ensuring safe conditions within the region, and expediting permissions for emergency supplies.
Laerke highlighted the necessity for all types of aid to be permitted access, criticizing the selective approach currently in place. He noted the insufficient quantity of aid entering Gaza and stressed the need for additional crossings and unrestricted aid entry. The security challenges and logistical hurdles faced by aid teams in Gaza were underscored as significant impediments to efficient aid delivery.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reported that 294 trucks have reached Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) from Port Ashdod as of Monday. However, media reports suggested that Israeli protesters have attempted to block further aid from departing the port. The WFP warned that while aid is arriving, the pace is inadequate to meet the substantial needs of Gaza's population, which is reeling from intensified conflict and displacement.
Juliette Touma, UNRWA Director of Communications, added that large medical shipments are currently stalled, awaiting entry into Gaza. She revealed that over 3,000 trucks carrying essential supplies, including soon-to-expire medicines, are stationed in locations such as Jordan and Egypt, pending clearance to proceed.
