Israel continued its efforts to deliver aid to Gaza on Sunday, just days after a previous delivery ended in tragedy. According to Palestinian businessman Izzat Aqel, the renewed convoy headed for northern Gaza is crucial to prevent further deaths of children and infants. The United Nations has warned that without immediate supplies of food and medical aid, the situation in Gaza could rapidly deteriorate.
Aqel reported that only one of the 16 trucks carrying supplies to the north the day before had reached Gaza City, with the rest being emptied in the Nuseirat neighborhood. COGAT, the Israeli agency coordinating aid deliveries, stated that 277 trucks entered Gaza on Sunday, the largest number since the conflict began. However, it remains unclear how many of these trucks reached northern Gaza.
The urgency of delivering aid to Gaza has increased as many residents are on the brink of famine. The World Food Program and UNRWA have ceased their aid deliveries to the north due to various challenges, including civilian attempts to rush aid trucks and damaged roads. The recent deadly incident involving a private aid convoy has underscored the critical need for humanitarian assistance in the region.
Vice President Kamala Harris has called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, urging Hamas to agree to a six-week pause and Israel to increase aid flow. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has already claimed the lives of 15 children due to malnutrition and dehydration at Kamal Adwan Hospital. UNICEF has reported that one in six children under 2 in Gaza are acutely malnourished, emphasizing the preventable nature of these tragic deaths.
Efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in Cairo have yet to yield results, with Hamas and Israeli officials at an impasse. The United States has been pushing for a resolution before the start of Ramadan, but progress has been slow. As Gazans continue to face dire circumstances, the international community must act swiftly to prevent further loss of life in the region.