On Tuesday, Israel opened the Kissufim crossing to increase humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, just meeting a US deadline to improve civilian assistance amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The UN’s World Food Programme reported the delivery of 15 trucks with essential supplies, but international NGOs, including Oxfam and Save the Children, criticised the scale of aid as vastly insufficient for Gaza’s urgent needs. They appealed to the US to hold Israel accountable for its humanitarian commitments, warning of the immense toll on civilians.
Amid the escalating crisis, US officials stated that Israel had technically complied with aid requirements but stressed the need for more substantial actions. Hamas condemned the US position, calling it complicity in “genocidal warfare” against Palestinians. The conflict, now exceeding 400 days, has plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian emergency, with thousands killed, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas Ministry of Health, corroborated by the UN.
The Gaza crisis, initially triggered by a Hamas attack on Israeli territory in October 2023, has led to extensive Israeli military actions, resulting in heavy casualties and displacements. In addition, tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon have sparked further conflict along Israel’s northern border, intensifying with Israeli aerial and ground operations against Hezbollah positions. Casualties in Lebanon have surpassed 3,300, mostly civilians, while Israel has reported dozens of civilian and military deaths from cross-border attacks.
The US expressed hope for a potential ceasefire, though diplomatic efforts, including mediation from Qatar, have faced setbacks due to a lack of commitment from both sides. The UN’s humanitarian office denounced the “daily brutality” faced by Palestinians, with officials suggesting these acts could constitute serious international crimes. In Lebanon, the UN’s peacekeeping chief met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati to advocate for de-escalation and a potential ceasefire, urging both international and local parties to prioritise peace.
Source: ANA-MPA
