Israel has ramped up its efforts to provide aid to Gaza in response to severe hunger in the region, especially in the north. The Biden administration and international aid officials have recognized Israel’s actions, including opening new aid routes. While the increased aid is a positive step, experts caution that the risk of famine still looms.
Arif Husain, the chief economist at the United Nations World Food Program, emphasized the need for sustained aid delivery of food, water, and medicine to prevent famine. Aid groups have criticized the limited aid entering Gaza due to war conditions and strict inspections. However, under pressure from President Biden, Israel has opened more aid routes, allowing for increased aid flow into Gaza.
Infrastructure work is underway to establish permanent aid routes into northern Gaza, with about 100 trucks now reaching the region daily. Flour shipments from the World Food Program have improved efficiency in delivering flour to northern Gaza, leading to the reopening of bakeries in Gaza City. The United Nations shared a video showcasing the impact of aid deliveries on the local population.
Furthermore, the construction of a floating pier off the coast of Gaza is expected to open a maritime route for delivering aid in the coming weeks. This initiative could potentially provide up to two million meals a day. The Jordanian military and government have also increased their aid contributions to the region.