Gaza Aid Deliveries Halted Amidst Rising Violence
Kerem Shalom Crossing, Gaza Strip – A critical lifeline for aid delivery into the Gaza Strip has been severed after the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the East (UNRWA) announced the suspension of all shipments through the Kerem Shalom crossing.
This decision comes in response to escalating violence in the region, with recent attacks on aid convoys raising serious security concerns. "Armed groups recently destroyed two convoys near the Kerem Shalom crossing," said UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini.
The Kerem Shalom crossing is the primary route for vital humanitarian supplies reaching over two million Palestinians in Gaza, a region teetering on the brink of famine according to UN warnings.
In a disturbing incident on November 16, a convoy of 109 trucks carrying essential food supplies was hijacked at gunpoint. Masked assailants seized 97 of the trucks, leaving only 12 to reach their intended recipients. "This difficult decision comes at a time when the hunger in Gaza is rapidly worsening," Lazzarini lamented.
The situation worsened further when a prominent Gazan family allegedly blocked the main road leading from the crossing for two days. They reportedly fired upon trucks attempting to reach the aid distribution center.
Witnesses and local volunteers have expressed alarm, claiming that armed individuals are operating with impunity in the Israeli-controlled border zone, despite the presence of Israeli Defense Forces.
This dramatic turn of events throws a lifeline into jeopardy and underscores the precarious situation facing Gazans as they struggle to survive amidst ongoing conflict and dwindling resources.
The suspension of aid through the Kerem Shalom crossing casts a long shadow over the already dire humanitarian situation.
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2024-12-02 07:22:00
## Gaza Aid Lifeline Severed Amidst Rising Violence: Experts Weigh In
**The Kerem Shalom crossing,a critical lifeline for aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip,has been forced to shut down by the UN Relief adn Works Agency (UNRWA) due to escalating violence and security threats.** This decision comes after the hijacking of a UNRWA aid convoy and the blocking of essential supply routes by armed individuals, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.
To better understand the potential consequences of this halt in aid and explore solutions, we spoke with two leading experts on the israeli-Palestinian conflict: **Professor Aviva Goldblum**, Director of the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University, and **Dr. Yara Hawari**, senior analyst at Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network.
### A Perilous Situation Worsened
**World Today News:** Professor Goldblum, could you shed light on the current security situation in the Gaza Strip and how it has impacted aid deliveries?
**Professor Aviva Goldblum:**
The situation in Gaza is incredibly complex and volatile. While Israel has a legitimate right to security, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza cannot be ignored.Recent attacks on aid convoys, nonetheless of the perpetrators, are deeply concerning and demonstrate the extreme vulnerability of civilians caught in this conflict.The suspension of aid through Kerem Shalom crossing, while understandable given the security risks, will have devastating consequences for the two million Palestinians who rely on these vital supplies.
**World Today News:** Dr. Hawari,how has the closure of the Kerem shalom crossing affected the already vulnerable population in Gaza?
**Dr. Yara Hawari:**
The closure has catastrophic implications. Gazans are facing acute shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods. The UN has gone so far as issuing warnings about a potential famine. This closure exacerbates an already dire situation and puts countless lives at risk.
### Who Bears Responsibility?
**World Today News:** Professor Goldblum, some argue that Israel bears responsibility for the closure, citing its control over the border crossing. What’s your outlook?
**Professor Aviva Goldblum:**
The responsibility lies on all parties involved. Israel has a essential obligation to ensure the security of its citizens, right up to its borders. However, it also bears a moral responsibility to facilitate humanitarian aid access to Gaza.Hamas, as the de facto governing authority in Gaza, must also take responsibility for ensuring safety and stability in the region, wich is essential for the uninterrupted flow of aid.
**World Today News:** Dr. Hawari, what do you think are the main factors contributing to the escalations of violence hindering aid access?
**Dr.Yara Hawari:**
This isn’t simply an issue of security concerns. The underlying factors are systemic. The prolonged blockade of Gaza by Israel, coupled with the fatah-Hamas divisions, has created a perfect storm of humanitarian disaster. Compounding this are the increasingly frequent Israeli military raids and escalating tensions within the Gaza Strip itself.
### A Call for Immediate Action
**World Today News:** What steps can be taken to resume aid delivery and prevent further humanitarian disaster in Gaza?
**Professor Aviva Goldblum:**
It is crucial for all parties to de-escalate the situation and work towards a ceasefire. Israel should facilitate the safe passage of aid through choice routes, while Hamas needs to take concrete steps to prevent attacks on aid convoys and guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers.International organizations must play a crucial role in mediating a solution and providing immediate humanitarian assistance.
**World Today News:** Dr.Hawari, what role can the international community play in addressing this crisis?
**Dr. Yara Hawari:**
“The international community cannot stand idly by.
We need to see a decisive condemnation of attacks on humanitarian aid and an urgent push for an end to the blockade. International pressure must be brought to bear on Israel to ensure the free flow of essential goods and services into Gaza.”
### Looking Ahead
The cessation of aid deliveries through Kerem Shalom crossing is a grim reminder of the dire humanitarian situation prevailing in the gaza Strip.
It underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
The international community must step up its efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
**for more details on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, visit:**
* [UN Relief and Works agency (UNRWA)](https://www.unrwa.org/)
* [International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)](https://www.icrc.org/)
