On Thursday, May 22, the Israeli military stated that 107 trucks loaded with flour, other food items, and medical supplies entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing. Since the relaxation of the blockade earlier this week, a total of 305 trucks have entered the enclave.
According to reports from Reuters, a UN official warned on Friday that the current aid entering Gaza after Israel’s 11-week blockade was only a drop in the bucket, with an estimated need for 500 to 600 aid trucks daily. Additionally, the distribution of relief supplies is progressing slowly.
The Palestinian Aid Organizations Alliance stated that since Israel eased the blockade under international pressure on Monday, only 119 aid trucks have passed through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza.
The alliance noted that despite the partial easing of the blockade, looting near Khan Younis has hindered the distribution of supplies, with the looters including some armed individuals. They stated, “They have stolen food that was originally intended for children and families facing severe hunger.”
The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations reported that 15 trucks carrying flour were looted, which was meant for delivery to the WFP-supported bakeries. The WFP stated, “Hunger, despair, and anxiety about whether more food aid will arrive are exacerbating the sense of insecurity.”
Israel implemented the blockade in early March, accusing Hamas of stealing aid intended for civilians. Hamas, however, denied these allegations.
According to a report by Reuters citing an Israeli military official, “Hamas continues to refer to the looters as ‘guards’ or ‘protectors’ to cover up the fact that they are disrupting the aid process.”
Israel announced that a new ground operation plan, funded by the United States and operated by private contractors, will soon commence at four distribution centers in southern Gaza.
Israel emphasized that its forces will only provide security at the distribution centers and will not distribute aid on their own.
However, this plan to control aid distribution has been rejected by international humanitarian organizations.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military continued the “unprecedented attacks” launched last week. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel will “control all areas of the Gaza Strip” and prevent Hamas from looting supplies.
The Israeli military reported carrying out more nighttime airstrikes in Gaza, hitting 75 targets, including weapons storage facilities and rocket launchers. The Palestinian Health Ministry said that the airstrikes resulted in at least 25 fatalities.