Israel’s supply cutoff to Gaza has sent prices soaring and humanitarian groups into overdrive trying to distribute scarce stocks to the 2 million people living in the territory. The aid freeze has imperiled progress made by aid workers to stave off famine, which was a major concern during the six-week ceasefire deal reached with Hamas.
Gaza’s population is entirely dependent on trucked-in food and other aid, with most being displaced from their homes and needing shelter. Fuel is necessary to keep hospitals, water pumps, bakeries, and telecommunications operating. Israel says the siege aims at pressuring Hamas to accept its spinoff ceasefire proposal.
Aid groups are racing against time to distribute what little stock they have left. The Norwegian Refugee Council has no major stockpile of tents for Palestinians to rely on during the aid freeze. UNICEF is also trying to figure out how to best use their remaining supplies, warning of a “catastrophic result” if the freeze continues.
Prices in Gaza City are skyrocketing as traders hike prices of basic necessities like vegetables, flour, and cigarettes. The International Rescue Committee has 6.7 tons of medicines waiting to enter Gaza, but delivery is now highly uncertain. Medical Aid for Palestinians has trucks stuck at the border carrying medicine, mattresses, and assistive devices.
The U.N.’s humanitarian office reports that prices have increased dramatically since the crossings closed. Aid groups are urging Israel to resume aid access immediately, citing high humanitarian needs in the territory.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-aid-cutoff-netanyahu-hunger-war-940ceea2c2b754d197a4f07c0cad86de