HAMILTON - The United Nations has expressed concern over Israel's continued obstruction of humanitarian aid into Gaza. According to a spokesperson from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Stephane Dujarric, a recent report highlights how Israeli authorities' restrictions and denials are severely hampering the delivery of essential, life-saving assistance to the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, The report details that over half of the UN-coordinated food missions to high-risk areas in March faced either denials or impediments by Israeli authorities. It also notes the destruction of a hospital and the dire conditions necessitating the digging of shallow graves near medical facilities. Despite the challenges, including limited access routes for humanitarian workers, the UN and its partners continue to deliver aid, with recent efforts reaching nearly a quarter of a million people through 17 health partners.
The backdrop to these challenges is Israel's military offensive in Gaza, initiated after a cross-border attack by Hamas last October, resulting in significant casualties and displacement. The ongoing conflict has led to accusations against Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice, with the international community urging more efforts to prevent famine in the besieged Gaza Strip.