2024-11-01 19:42:00
The amount of aid entering the Gaza Strip fell to its lowest level so far this year in October. According to data from the Israeli authority COGAT, responsible for access to the sealed coastal strip, almost 26,400 tons of aid arrived in the Gaza Strip from October 1 to 28. In September there were more than 87,400 tonnes. According to the Haaretz newspaper, the annual average so far is around 95,500 tonnes per month.
Food accounted for nearly 20,000 tons of deliveries in October. These also included medical equipment, building materials, water, fuel and other basic necessities. Most of it was humanitarian aid; Commercial deliveries, which had increased in the summer, were almost non-existent in October.
The Americans are putting pressure on Israel
Since the start of the Gaza war about a year ago, there has been criticism of Israel for providing supplies to the people of the Gaza Strip, which United Nations agencies, humanitarian organizations and numerous other countries say are inadequate. COGAT representatives repeatedly argue that there is no limit to the amount of aid granted. Bottlenecks in delivery routes are the responsibility of the UN and humanitarian organizations. At the same time, a COGAT representative recently told reporters that the high number of Jewish holidays in October and the army’s current offensive in northern Gaza had an impact on aid delivery.
In October the US government increased pressure on Israel. A letter set a deadline of 30 days to significantly improve the supply situation. Otherwise, weapons deliveries could be at risk, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wrote, citing American regulations.
Within a few days, COGAT reported an increase in the number of humanitarian convoys. But officials in Washington have increasingly publicly emphasized that more needs to be done. There are “difficult” discussions going on behind the scenes between American and Israeli government officials, according to a report by news site Axios. There is little expectation in Washington that Israel will allow the required number of 350 aid trucks per day by November 13. In the first four weeks of October, a total of 1,386 trucks were transported.
The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported Friday that 47 people were killed overnight in Israeli airstrikes in the middle of the Gaza Strip. The attacks hit, among other things, houses in the area of the city of Deir Al-Balah where the refugees had sought refuge. Many victims were women and children. The Israeli military said only that it had “identified and eliminated several armed terrorists” in the area. He also said that “more than 200 terrorist targets” had been attacked in the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon the day before. Soldiers killed ”several dozen terrorists” in the northern Gaza Strip.
Deaths and injuries from Israeli attacks have also been reported in other parts of the Gaza Strip. Information provided by warring parties often cannot be independently verified.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Sarah ElKhatib, Humanitarian Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Good evening everyone, and welcome to our special interview segment. Today, we are joined by Dr. Sarah ElKhatib, a renowned humanitarian policy expert, to discuss the recent significant drop in aid delivery to the Gaza Strip. Dr. ElKhatib, thank you for being with us today.
Dr. Sarah ElKhatib: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial issue that needs attention.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. The recent data indicates that aid deliveries to Gaza in October fell to just about 26,400 tons, a stark decrease from over 87,000 tons in September. What do you think led to this sharp decline?
Dr. Sarah ElKhatib: There are multiple factors at play here. Firstly, the ongoing conflict and military operations in the region create severe logistical challenges for aid delivery. The Israeli authority COGAT cited Jewish holidays and military operations in northern Gaza as contributors to this decline. Additionally, there’s a persistent issue of bureaucratic bottlenecks and coordination between Israel, humanitarian organizations, and the UN, which complicates timely aid distribution.
Time.news Editor: It sounds quite complicated. Given that the humanitarian needs are critical, how do you assess the adequacy of the aid being provided?
Dr. Sarah ElKhatib: The aid flow, as reported, is insufficient for the population’s needs. According to various humanitarian organizations and the United Nations, not only is the volume of aid falling short, but its variety—ranging from food to medical supplies—is also lacking. Most deliveries this October were humanitarian, with commercial supplies virtually nonexistent. This raises serious concerns about the overall welfare of the civilians in Gaza, especially as we approach a winter where conditions will only worsen without proper resources.
Time.news Editor: Recently, there have been indications of increased pressure from the U.S. on Israel regarding the aid situation. How do you view this development?
Dr. Sarah ElKhatib: The U.S. placing pressure on Israel can be viewed as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it demonstrates a commitment to ensuring humanitarian needs are met, as outlined in the letter from Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin. However, the effectiveness of this pressure is yet to be seen. If aid continues to languish, there could be dire repercussions not only for the civilian population but also for U.S.-Israel relations. It’s a precarious balance to encourage aid without seeming to compromise Israel’s security concerns.
Time.news Editor: What key changes are necessary to improve the aid situation in Gaza moving forward?
Dr. Sarah ElKhatib: A multifaceted approach is essential. First, there needs to be improved coordination between all parties involved—Israel, the UN, and various humanitarian organizations—to clear bureaucratic hurdles that inhibit aid flow. Secondly, a sustainable mechanism for continuous aid delivery must be established regardless of the operational context. Lastly, international oversight could ensure accountability from all parties involved, promoting transparency and encouraging a more robust and reliable supply of essential goods.
Time.news Editor: Those sound like practical steps. As we conclude, what message would you like to convey to our audience regarding the situation in Gaza?
Dr. Sarah ElKhatib: It’s vital for the global community to stay informed and engaged. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is profound, and public awareness can influence policy and encourage action. The people of Gaza are in desperate need of support and solidarity, and it’s our responsibility as global citizens to advocate for their needs.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. ElKhatib, for sharing your insights with us today. Your expertise sheds light on a critical situation that many are affected by. We appreciate your time.
Dr. Sarah ElKhatib: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing this important issue.