The United Nations reports the initiation of a fresh land passage, breaking a three-week hiatus, to transport essential food supplies to northern Gaza.
The Israeli military has confirmed the passage of six World Food Programme lorries through a specified gate in the Gaza border fence.
As part of a proactive pilot initiative, the Tuesday night delivery was executed with the specific goal of preventing any potential takeover of aid by Hamas, according to the Israeli military, amidst global calls for expanded access to the Palestinian territory to address the looming famine amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
A charitable mission set sail from Cyprus on Tuesday aboard a ship loaded with 200 tonnes of food aid, unveiling a new maritime route into the Palestinian territory. The vessel is projected to reach the vicinity of Gaza by Thursday.
While various perspectives have been voiced, the prevailing sentiment underscores that road access continues to be the swiftest route for the prompt delivery of critically needed provisions.
The UN said the WFP convoy was able to use an Israeli military road that runs along the Gaza border fence to reach the north and deliver enough food for 25,000 people to Gaza City.
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Israeli security officials carried out a prior security check on the aid lorries at the Kerem Shalom crossing with southern Gaza, according to the military.
The UN says at least 576,000 people in Gaza – one quarter of the population – are one step away from famine.
It warns that time is running out for the estimated 300,000 people who are isolated in the north of the territory, which UN agencies have struggled to access for several months due to Israeli restrictions, the ongoing hostilities and a breakdown of law and order.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, overseen by Hamas, the distressing toll from malnutrition and dehydration at hospitals stands at a minimum of 27 lives, with the majority being children.
Israel insists there are no limits to the amount of aid that can be delivered into and across Gaza and blames UN agencies for failing to distribute the aid to the people who need it.
Against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, mediators from Qatar and Egypt state that they are persistently working towards facilitating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The conflict started on October 7 when Hamas militants launched an assault on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and the abduction of 253 hostages. Since then, the health ministry under Hamas’ administration reports that over 31,100 individuals have lost their lives in Gaza.