Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the country will continue to block humanitarian aid from entering the war-battered Gaza Strip. He explained that the strict policy is intended to prevent Hamas from using these supplies as a tool to influence the local population.
Since March 2, Israel has maintained a blockade even as intense aerial and ground assaults have resumed. The minister stressed, "No one is currently planning to allow any humanitarian aid into Gaza, and there are no preparations to enable such aid," underscoring the government's stance in this critical period.
Amid these developments, the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned that Gaza is facing its most severe crisis in the 18 months since hostilities began in October 2023. With no supplies reaching the area for a month and a half, aid workers are forced to ration scarce resources including medical supplies, fuel, water, and food.
The collapse of the ceasefire deal that was in effect from January 19 has further escalated the situation, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and deepening humanitarian challenges for the 2.4 million residents of Gaza.
This unfolding crisis highlights urgent global concerns as communities worldwide watch the impact of renewed military operations and restrictive aid policies on a region already in distress.
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Israeli defense minister says no humanitarian aid will enter Gaza
cgtn.com
