U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently visited the border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, where he observed a long line of relief trucks waiting to enter Gaza. This visit sparked a dispute between the U.N. and Israeli authorities over the delivery of aid to the 2 million civilians in Gaza.
Israeli officials claim there are no limits on aid entering Gaza and have opened additional crossings and extended inspection hours to facilitate aid delivery. However, the U.N. argues that blockages at crossings and restrictions on aid distribution are hindering relief efforts.
Concerns have been raised about Hamas selectively distributing aid to its supporters, potentially exploiting aid for political gain. Additionally, local gangs have been looting aid, creating challenges for aid workers.
The IDF has increased its involvement in aid distribution, working with international organizations to provide food, water, and medical supplies to Gaza. Despite these efforts, distribution challenges persist due to Hamas interference and looting.
The U.N. has been criticized for unreliable reporting on the situation in Gaza, with accusations of bias towards Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. The State Department has called for increased humanitarian assistance into Gaza and emphasized the need for improved cooperation between Israel and international organizations to address distribution challenges.