What it is about
Foreign Minister Israel Katz held a notably tense meeting with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag. During the meeting, criticisms and concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza were exchanged.
Why it matters
The discussion underscores the pressing challenges and complexities Israel faces in managing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, especially as aid distribution faces significant hurdles amidst security concerns. Israel has emphasized its ongoing support for Gaza through aid deliveries, reflecting its commitment to humanitarian efforts despite adversities.
Key Details
Sigrid Kaag warned Katz that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating, with chaos and crime increasingly complicating the operations of the United Nations in the Strip. She expressed concerns that if the situation does not improve, the UN might have to cease operations in Gaza, leaving Israel to manage the crisis independently.
Israel’s Efforts
The Israeli Foreign Ministry highlighted that over 1,000 truckloads of aid are ready to be distributed at Gaza’s border crossings, but obstacles within Gaza impede effective distribution. The UN’s fear of Gazan gangs and looting exacerbates these challenges. Katz reaffirmed that Israel’s priority is to prevent dual-use items from entering Gaza, which could potentially be used by Hamas to manufacture weapons.
Ground Reports and Further Challenges
Aid groups reported severe conditions for many Gazans, who face food shortages as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues. However, COGAT—a Defense Ministry body—clarified that the distribution bottlenecks are due to the inefficiencies of the UN and aid agencies, not due to Israeli restrictions.
Complicating aid efforts further, Egypt has closed its Rafah Border Crossing since Israel took over control of Gaza’s crossings in early May. Meanwhile, crossings such as Kerem Shalom from Israel continue to operate despite frequent attacks by Hamas, demonstrating Israel’s perseverance in its aid commitments.
International Developments
Reports from the New York Times indicated that the $200 million aid pier, constructed by the United States on the Gaza coast, might be dismantled soon due to limited success. This potential change could pose further challenges for aid delivery.
Nevertheless, continued cooperation exists between international organizations and Israeli authorities. The World Central Kitchen acknowledged successful collaboration with COGAT in supplying numerous kitchens in Gaza, showcasing a constructive example of how channels of humanitarian aid can function effectively despite prevailing difficulties.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.