Gaza City: The delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza continues to face critical challenges, as aid agencies report severe disruptions, bureaucratic obstacles, and growing insecurity on the ground. Although some aid is managing to cross into the war-ravaged enclave, Caritas representative Bedrossian emphasized that the process remains far from efficient. “The humanitarian assistance that does enter is tightly controlled by military distribution points,” he stated, “which compromises the fairness and effectiveness of delivery, especially in such a volatile environment.”

One of the most pressing logistical barriers is the limited access granted to humanitarian workers. Bedrossian explained that navigating the permit system—especially for entry from Israel—is a grueling ordeal. “Obtaining Israeli permits to access Gaza is an arduous and prolonged procedure. There is marginally more flexibility when coming from Egypt,” he added, “but as of now, all borders remain firmly shut, making access nearly impossible.”

The crisis has been further compounded by violent incidents during aid distribution. Reports from local observers, including members of Doctors Without Borders and the Red Crescent, claim that an Israeli military unit opened fire at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution point earlier this week, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 individuals. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as gunfire erupted during the aid operation.

However, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has publicly refuted these claims. In a statement, the organization denied that any such attack occurred, asserting that the aid delivery was completed “safely and without any interference.” This conflicting narrative has heightened concerns about transparency and accountability in the distribution of humanitarian aid, as well as the broader implications for civilian safety in a region already overwhelmed by conflict.

International organizations continue to call for the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors and the depoliticization of aid delivery. The situation remains dire, with food, water, and medical supplies critically scarce and an increasingly desperate population caught between geopolitical impasses and violent flare-ups.

As calls grow louder for a ceasefire and the restoration of unrestricted humanitarian access, the fate of Gaza's civilian population hangs in the balance—dependent not only on international aid but also on the willingness of authorities to prioritize humanity over control.

Source: CNA