UN Delivers Aid to Gaza Amid Mounting International Pressure on Israel
After weeks of near-total isolation, the UN has dispatched approximately 90 aid trucks to Gaza, marking the first such delivery since early March. This action follows increasing global pressure on Israel to ease its blockade and cease its ongoing attacks.
Ceasefire and Aid Delivery
The aid delivery occurred after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed openness to a ‘temporary ceasefire,’ although he affirmed the military's commitment to gaining full control of Gaza.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief Antonio Guterres, stated that the UN successfully collected and dispatched around 90 truckloads of goods from the Kerem Shalom crossing. This development followed reports of Israeli troops firing near foreign diplomats in the occupied West Bank, sparking international condemnation. The Hamas government media office in Gaza confirmed the arrival of 87 aid trucks, which were distributed to international and local groups to address urgent humanitarian needs.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Netanyahu cited the necessity of avoiding a humanitarian crisis to preserve operational freedom in Gaza. Meanwhile, a US-backed group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, plans to start sending aid, but the UN and traditional agencies are hesitant to cooperate due to alleged ties with Israel. Umm Talal al-Masri, a displaced Palestinian in Gaza City, described the dire situation, highlighting the scarcity of food and assistance. Concerns are rising with Gaza’s health ministry reporting numerous deaths in recent days.
International Pressure Mounts
Mounting international pressure, including from the EU, is urging Israel to halt military operations and facilitate aid. Some EU nations are considering sanctions, while Britain has suspended free-trade talks. Pope Leo XIV has also voiced concern. Israel resumed military operations on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire, resulting in a surge in casualties.
