UN-coordinated Aid Convoys Facing Challenges in Accessing North Gaza
According to the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, food convoys coordinated by the UN are three times more likely to be denied access to north Gaza compared to other aid convoys. Israeli authorities have not provided a clear reason for these denials, as stated by OCHA Spokesperson Jens Laerke during a recent briefing in Geneva.
Challenges in Aid Delivery
- Denial of Access: Israeli authorities often deny access to aid convoys without explanation.
- Erez Border Crossing: Israel committed to reopening the Erez border crossing and facilitating aid delivery via the port of Ashdod, but no concrete actions have been taken yet.
- Monitoring the Situation: The White House has expressed its intent to monitor the situation closely.
Mr. Laerke highlighted the ongoing challenges in aid delivery, with restrictions and denials by Israeli authorities continuing to hinder the delivery of life-saving assistance to Gaza. In March, over half of UN-coordinated food missions to high-risk areas were either denied or impeded.
Discrepancies in Aid Truck Counts
There are discrepancies between the number of aid trucks counted by Israeli authorities and the UN. COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry unit coordinating aid, counts trucks at the border, while OCHA counts trucks at its warehouses, leading to issues in matching the numbers.
Mr. Laerke emphasized that aid distribution inside Gaza faces additional complications, especially in the north where a significant portion of the population is in dire need. He stressed the importance of ensuring humanitarian access beyond just the border, highlighting the responsibility of all parties involved in the conflict.
