Israel Is Finally Letting Some Aid Into Gaza. Here’s Why It’s Not Close To Enough.

Israel has started allowing a limited number of aid trucks into Gaza this week after almost three months of restricting access to essential supplies for Palestinians. Despite this move, experts caution against viewing the small amount of humanitarian aid as a gesture of mercy, especially with the Israeli military escalating its attacks on the region.

During the 11-week blockade, the Israeli military prevented any humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza, exacerbating the dire living conditions in the area. The military’s actions, including destroying infrastructure vital for providing food, water, shelter, and healthcare, led to hundreds of deaths, worsened starvation, and hindered medical treatment for the injured.

Following international pressure and threats, Israel announced that it would permit a minimal quantity of aid into Gaza. The Israeli defense agency overseeing aid deliveries reported that five trucks entered Gaza, with two carrying shrouds. While they claimed that 93 aid trucks entered the next day, the United Nations disputed this, stating that only a few dozen trucks made it into the territory, none reaching Palestinians due to military restrictions.

UNRWA, a key agency responsible for assisting Palestinian refugees, highlighted the significant amount of food and medical supplies stockpiled outside Gaza that could alleviate the crisis if allowed in. However, due to Israel’s actions, these supplies remain inaccessible, contributing to the dire situation faced by Palestinians in Gaza.

The ongoing blockade and limited humanitarian assistance have drawn criticism from human rights experts, who condemn Israel’s collective punishment tactics. The situation has left many Palestinians, particularly children, vulnerable to starvation and preventable illnesses, with long-term consequences for their health and well-being.

Despite the recent aid deliveries, concerns persist over Israel’s motives, with suspicions that the country’s new military-run aid distribution system may serve ulterior purposes, including potentially leading to ethnic cleansing efforts. Critics argue that the plan could further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and perpetuate injustices against the Palestinian population.

In light of these developments, advocates stress the urgent need for sustained international support to address the root causes of the crisis in Gaza and ensure the well-being of its inhabitants.