Two weeks after a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect, aid is pouring into the Gaza Strip, bringing relief to a territory ravaged by 15 months of war. However, Palestinian residents and aid workers say it’s an uphill battle to ensure assistance reaches everyone.
Under the agreement, Israel allows 600 aid trucks into Gaza daily, a significant increase. Humanitarian groups report that destruction of roads, Israeli inspections, and unexploded bombs hinder aid distribution.
Despite the surge in aid, food prices remain high due to limited availability. Palestinians are forced to buy goods at inflated market rates. UNICEF reports cases of malnutrition in children and pregnant women.
Israeli restrictions on certain items, including fuel for hospitals and desalination plants, continue to pose challenges. Aid workers say getting essential supplies into Gaza is still complicated by Israeli inspection processes.
According to COGAT, only some aid items require “pre-approval” before entering Gaza, while others can be cleared without approval. This has hindered efforts to repair Gaza’s damaged water network.
The ceasefire has brought some relief, but Palestinians face dire conditions, with many living in areas with destroyed water networks. Dehydration and disease spread due to poor sanitary conditions and limited medical care are significant threats.
As aid continues to flow into Gaza, the international community must address the underlying issues hindering effective assistance.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-palestinians-ceasefire-aid-war-e1657d315ccc5ba66d15f48100f7981b