Israeli Airstrikes Kill 82 in Gaza as Aid Struggles to Get Through

As Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis with the looming threat of famine and the lives of 14,000 malnourished babies at stake, a call is made for Christians to pray and act wisely as the United Nations seeks safe access for aid amidst global concerns.

The United Nations reported on Wednesday that Palestinians in Gaza have not yet received aid this week due to delays and safety issues. After nearly three months of blocking essential supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel, Israel finally allowed dozens of aid trucks into Gaza following international pressure, as per the Associated Press.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric mentioned that the majority of supplies remained stuck at the Kerem Shalom crossing on the Gaza side, unable to be transported out due to safety concerns on the road permitted for Israeli military use. Discussions for an alternative solution are underway.

Experts on food security warned that Gaza’s population of around 2.3 million faces the risk of famine unless the blockade is lifted. Recent Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 45 people, including women and an infant, according to Gaza authorities. Israel stated efforts to minimize civilian casualties, attributing the blame to Hamas for operating within civilian areas.

The Gaza health ministry under Hamas reported more than 53,500 casualties in the ongoing conflict since the terror group’s attack in October 2023. The Israeli military fired warning shots at international diplomats visiting Jenin in the West Bank.

In response to Israel’s actions, the United Kingdom suspended trade talks and international allies pledged concrete steps to urge Israel to halt the conflict. The UN’s humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher emphasized the urgency of reaching 14,000 babies suffering from severe malnutrition in Gaza within the next 48 hours to prevent fatalities.

The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs confirmed the critical need to deliver supplies promptly to address the severe malnutrition crisis affecting infants in Gaza.