Leaders of UK, France and Canada condemn Israel’s ‘egregious actions’ in Gaza and warn of joint action if offensive continues
The first few aid trucks entered Gaza on Monday after nearly three months of Israel’s blockade of food, medicine and other supplies, Israel and the UN said.
Five trucks carrying baby food and other desperately needed aid entered the territory of more than 2 million Palestinians via the Kerem Shalom crossing, according to the Israeli defence body in charge of coordinating aid to Gaza, Cogat.
The UN humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, called it a “welcome development” but described the trucks as a “drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed”.
Food security experts last week warned of famine in Gaza. During the latest ceasefire that Israel shattered in March with a wave of deadly airstrikes, about 600 aid trucks entered Gaza each day.
Fletcher said an additional four UN trucks were cleared to enter Gaza. Those trucks may enter Tuesday, Cogat said. Fletcher added that given the chaotic situation on the ground, the UN expects the aid could be looted or stolen, a growing problem as resources became increasingly scarce.
Benjamin Netanyahu said his decision to resume “minimal” aid to Gaza came after allies said they couldn’t support Israel’s expansion of its assault if there were “images of hunger” coming from the Palestinian territory.