Food Aid Spoilage Hampers Gaza as Rafah Crossing Remains Closed

Food Aid for Gazans Deteriorates Amid Rafah Crossing Closure

Overview

Food aid intended for Gaza is spoiling due to the continued closure of the Rafah border crossing by Israeli military forces. The closure has persisted for three weeks, exacerbating starvation conditions in the Palestinian territory.

Situation Details

On May 6, 2024, Israel expanded its military operations in Gaza, seizing control of the Rafah border crossing, a crucial humanitarian aid entry point between Egypt and Gaza. Since then, trucks carrying aid have been stuck, with drivers reporting that perishable goods like apples, bananas, chicken, and cheese have rotted. Some food items are either sold at reduced prices or discarded.

Humanitarian Crisis

Gaza is home to over 2.3 million people, many of whom are displaced due to Israel’s ongoing military offensive. The conflict has resulted in over 35,000 deaths in the past seven months. Suze van Meegen, of the Norwegian Refugee Council, stated that essential supplies such as medicine, sanitary products, and water tanks are being withheld.

International Response

Egypt and the US have agreed to send relief through the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing until legal arrangements enable the reopening of the Rafah crossing. However, the delayed aid and food spoilage have already inflicted severe losses.

Additional Information

The conflict has expanded regionally, with Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah in Syria and heightened tensions involving Iran-backed forces. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has recently ordered Israel to keep the Rafah crossing open, but enforcement remains uncertain.

This culmination of delayed aid, ongoing military actions, and regional tensions continues to threaten the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

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