UN Warns 14,000 Babies in Gaza Could Die Within Days Without Immediate Aid as Humanitarian Trucks Arrive

The United Nations has issued a warning that thousands of infants in Gaza are at risk of dying imminently without urgent food and medical assistance. This comes as Israel permitted a limited number of humanitarian trucks to enter the besieged area for the first time in weeks.

Following an 11-week blockade, the U.N. disclosed on Tuesday that around 100 aid trucks were authorized to enter Gaza. U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher cautioned that if prompt nutrition and care are not provided, 14,000 babies in Gaza could perish within the next 48 hours. He described the current aid flow as insufficient, with only five trucks managing to enter on Monday.

Fletcher stressed the urgency of the situation, stating that it is vital to get baby food to mothers who are currently unable to feed their children. He acknowledged the risks involved, including potential looting and Israeli attacks, but emphasized the necessity of delivering aid.

The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel, resulting in a retaliatory siege by Israel on Gaza. This blockade has severely limited the entry of goods, including humanitarian aid, exacerbating the ongoing crisis. The recent escalation in violence has led to a deepening humanitarian emergency, with an increase in casualties from Israeli airstrikes reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry.

In response to Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian access, the U.K., France, and Canada issued a joint statement criticizing the measures as inadequate. They called for an end to the military campaign and threatened further actions if Israel did not comply. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military operations, accusing Western leaders of rewarding attacks on Israel and vowing to continue until “total victory is achieved.”

The situation in Gaza has worsened with continued bombardments affecting critical infrastructure, including healthcare facilities. Aid organizations have raised concerns about the impact of the conflict on Gaza’s health system, urging the protection of medical facilities. The recent targeting of hospitals and clinics has further strained the already fragile healthcare infrastructure in the region.

The ongoing violence and displacement of civilians have led to a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with over half a million people displaced since the ceasefire was broken in mid-March. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely and calls for immediate action to address the escalating crisis in the region.