What it is about
The Jerusalem Post journalist, Yonah Jeremy Bob, investigates the ongoing humanitarian aid efforts during the Israel-Hamas conflict, focusing on the essential crossings: Kerem Shalom and Rafah. The story outlines Israel’s role in facilitating aid while addressing criticisms and challenges faced by both Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
Why it matters
This detailed account counters common criticisms levied against Israel, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to humanitarian efforts even amidst armed conflict. Furthermore, the lack of post-UNRWA planning and the enduring control of Hamas over aid distribution present significant political and humanitarian challenges.
Blocking and Enabling Aid to Gaza
At the onset of the conflict from October 7-11, Israel and the IDF were preoccupied with halting Hamas’s incursions, leading to disruptions in aid. However, by October 21, Israel began facilitating regular aid through crossings like Nitzana and later significant amounts via Kerem Shalom.
A Surge in Humanitarian Aid
November and December saw thousands of trucks bringing aid through these crossings. By January, more than 160 trucks per day were entering Gaza through Kerem Shalom, ensuring sustained food, water, and other humanitarian supplies. This effort aligned with the IDF’s military achievements in northern Gaza, yielding safer conditions for aid distribution.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite efforts to ensure humanitarian aid, logistical and political challenges persisted, such as the temporary closures and international concerns. Egypt’s conditional shutdown of the Rafah Crossing post-invasion forced further reliance on Israel for aid distribution to Gaza’s civilians. Kerem Shalom’s operational efficiency became undeniable, contrary to accusations against Israel regarding withholding aid.
Ongoing Issues
Despite the replacement of UNRWA with the World Food Program and other organizations, Hamas still maintains absolute control over aid distribution within Gaza. This hampers efforts to reduce Hamas’s overall power and undercuts progress made by Israel and international bodies to depoliticize and depolarize assistance efforts.
The Path Forward
To avoid potential international backlash and accusations of occupation, Israel must continue its collaboration with entities like the World Food Program and maintain open humanitarian corridors. A tangible and cooperative framework with international and Palestinian authorities needs to be established swiftly to guarantee consistent and unencumbered aid to Gaza’s civilians.
Conclusion
Critics alleging Israeli obstruction-eraards-humanitarian efforts may benefit from firsthand visits to the crossings facilitated by the IDF to grasp the full scope and efficacy of ongoing aid operations. The humanitarian narrative reveals a complex, collaborative effort overshadowed by political posturing and misinformed censure.
This story was first published on jpost.com.