The United Nations is evaluating the potential utilization of an Israeli military road bordering the Gaza Strip to provide aid to hundreds of thousands of civilians in dire need, as stated by a senior U.N. aid official.
A staggering 576,000 individuals in Gaza, constituting a quarter of its population, are teetering on the brink of famine, according to warnings from the U.N.
Jamie McGoldrick, U.N. aid coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, highlighted the organization’s persistent efforts to persuade Israel to allow aid access via the Gaza border fence road.
Following last week’s tragic incident where more than 100 people were killed attempting to reach an aid convoy, McGoldrick noted an increase in Israeli cooperation.
The proposed plan involves aid convoys being inspected at crossings in Egypt and Israel before being escorted through Israeli territory along a military road to the village of Beeri on the Israeli border with Gaza. The U.N. plans to conduct an assessment of the new route on Thursday to ensure safety and identify suitable distribution points within Gaza.
McGoldrick emphasized the advantages of using this route, which would circumvent congested and insecure roads within the enclave. While other avenues such as airdrops and port deliveries are helpful, road transport remains essential to address the pressing needs.
Despite assertions from Israeli officials about the absence of limits on aid entry, challenges remain in aid distribution. Efforts are underway to explore new strategies, including coordination with the private sector, to facilitate aid delivery to those in need.
The conflict in Gaza, marked by Hamas attacks and Israeli retaliation, has inflicted immense suffering, with thousands of lives lost and a widespread humanitarian crisis.
