Concerns Over Israeli Control of Aid Distribution in Gaza
United Nations agencies operating in Gaza have reiterated concerns over Israel’s plan to take control of aid distribution in the war-ravaged enclave, warning that the most vulnerable populations may struggle to access relief.
Aid hubs are set to be located exclusively in the southern part of Gaza, raising fears that displaced families, children, and pregnant women will be unable to reach them. Many children are surviving on one incomplete meal a day, with shortages of clean drinking water and proper nutrition exacerbated by Israeli strikes on infrastructure and restrictions on aid entry, officials said.
Thousands remain in displacement centers lacking basic necessities, while hospitals continue to struggle with limited resources. Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Negotiations on the second phase remain stalled.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East warned earlier this month that the humanitarian situation had reached catastrophic levels. As the blockade on essential supplies continues, the agency called for urgent international action to prevent further deterioration and reiterated its demand for a ceasefire.
Following his first Regina Coeli, Pope Leo XIV issues an appeal for an end to the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and on the India/Pakistan border.
UN agencies in Gaza continue to work tirelessly to provide aid and support to those in need, but the challenges posed by the Israeli plan to take control of aid distribution remain a significant concern. It is crucial for the international community to take immediate action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to ensure that essential supplies reach those who need them most.
