Israeli restrictions, border closures continue to limit aid flow into Gaza: UNOCHA
Gaza, July 7
Israeli restrictions and continued border closures are limiting the flow of goods into Gaza, Al Jazeera reported, citing the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
According to Al Jazeera, OCHA said Israel is restricting the movement of goods through the Karem Abu Salem crossing, known in Israel as Kerem Shalom, which lies at the junction of Israel, Egypt and Gaza.
Last week, only 42 per cent of aid supplies arriving through Egypt and 65 per cent of shipments coming from Ashdod port were able to be offloaded at the crossing.
The United Nations and its partners delivered around 42,000 pallets of assistance to Gaza in June, down from approximately 46,600 pallets in May.
All other crossings remain closed to cargo traffic, while restrictions on the entry of certain categories of supplies continue, Al Jazeera reported, citing OCHA.
Earlier, a delegation from the OCHA visited the UAE Field Hospital in the Gaza Strip to review its medical services and discuss ways to strengthen humanitarian coordination.
The delegation, which included senior OCHA and World Health Organization (WHO) officials, toured the hospital's departments, received a briefing on its healthcare operations, and held discussions with the UAE medical team on enhancing cooperation to sustain healthcare services and improve the humanitarian response in Gaza.
The visit concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts, highlighting continued collaboration between the UAE and international humanitarian organisations.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Why is the world silent about this? 😢 The figures speak for themselves—aid is down from 46,600 pallets to 42,000. Every pallet is a family's hope. India should use its G20 presidency and ties with both sides to mediate, not just issue statements.
As an Indian, I'm deeply concerned about the double standards in global politics. When it's Ukraine, everyone acts. When it's Palestine, there's silence. Restricting food and medicine is a violation of basic human rights. The UN must enforce its resolutions.
Having worked with NGOs in conflict zones, I know how logistics bottlenecks cost lives. The Kerem Shalom crossing is critical. If Israel wants peace, it must allow humanitarian corridors. India's role as a non-aligned voice could be key here.
I understand the security concerns, but blocking basic necessities is not the answer. If India can send aid to Gaza, we should. Our history of peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance gives us moral authority to speak up.
I'm glad OCHA is visiting hospitals like the UAE field hospital. But visits aren't enough—we need action. The crossing closure is a collective punishment. India should lead by example and send a strong diplomatic mission to open these routes.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.