Gaza: The United Nations has urgently appealed to world leaders to provide food assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip as Israel’s “comprehensive blockade” of the region continues into its ninth week.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued a statement on Monday highlighting Israel’s plan to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The statement criticizes the plan, stating it “contradicts basic humanitarian principles.”
The UN emphasized its readiness to distribute essential supplies and services, including food, water, healthcare, and nutrition, as soon as the blockade is lifted. The statement urged world leaders to leverage their influence to facilitate the lifting of the blockade, underscoring the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis.
The statement also noted that the Israeli plan poses risks to civilian safety and humanitarian aid efforts, potentially leading to forced displacement. It warned that directing civilians to conflict zones to obtain food aid could leave large areas of Gaza without adequate food supplies.
Since March 2, Israel has maintained a closure of the Gaza Strip’s crossings, preventing the entry of food, relief, medical aid, and goods. This blockade has precipitated a severe decline in the humanitarian conditions faced by Palestinians, as reported by government entities, human rights organizations, and international bodies.
