What are the latest obstacles to bringing humanitarian aid into Gaza, where hunger is worsening?

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Introduction

One major land crossing into Gaza was shut down after a Hamas rocket attack, another by an Israeli incursion. And only a trickle of aid is entering through a third crossing that just opened in recent weeks. The latest developments threaten to worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza more than seven months into the Israeli onslaught launched in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.

The State of Gaza’s Crossings

KEREM SHALOM

The Kerem Shalom crossing in the southeastern corner of Gaza is the only one designed to handle large deliveries of cargo. It was shut down on Sunday after a Hamas rocket attack killed four Israeli soldiers. COGAT, the Israeli military body in charge of Palestinian civilian affairs, says the crossing reopened on Wednesday and released a video showing trucks entering from the Israeli side. But the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, the main provider of aid in Gaza, says no aid has actually entered Gaza from Kerem Shalom because of the security situation on the Palestinian side.

Aid workers say airdrops and plans to deliver aid by sea are no substitute for land deliveries.

RAFAH

An Israeli tank brigade captured the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing with Egypt on Tuesday, forcing it to shut down. Israel said the limited incursion was part of its efforts to dismantle Hamas’ military and governing capabilities. Rafah is the main entry point for fuel needed for vehicles and generators that are essential for humanitarian efforts. The U.N. says it is already rationing fuel and does not have enough to maintain its operations in Gaza for longer than a few days. Rafah is also the only crossing that people can use to enter or leave Gaza. Palestinian officials say dozens of patients who were set to travel for medical treatment have been left stranded. It remains unclear how long Israel plans to hold the crossing or when it might reopen.

EREZ

Israel recently began allowing the U.N.’s World Food Program to deliver aid through the Erez crossing in northern Gaza, which suffered heavy devastation in the first months of the war and has been largely isolated by Israeli forces. The U.N. food agency says a famine is underway in northern Gaza and that infectious diseases are spreading rapidly, with some 90% of children having fallen ill. Some 300,000 Palestinians remained in northern Gaza after Israel ordered the entire region evacuated in October.

The Erez crossing, which in the past was limited to foot traffic, has been turned into a cargo thoroughfare. COGAT said 60 aid trucks entered the north on Tuesday.

AIR AND SEA

Jordan, the United States and other nations began airdropping aid into Gaza earlier this year, but aid agencies describe that as a costly, last-ditch effort that cannot meet mounting needs. The United States has also completed the construction of a floating pier and causeway for the delivery of aid by seas but has not yet installed it on the Gaza coastline because of bad weather. A ship loaded with U.S. aid and bound for the new pier nevertheless departed Cyprus on Thursday. Officials say they expect about 90 truckloads of aid a day initially and that it will quickly grow to about 150 a day.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees says an average of more than 250 trucks were entering Gaza through Rafah and Kerem Shalom before the rocket attack and the incursion. Before the war, some 500 trucks were entering Gaza through the two southern crossings.

Conclusion

The current situation in Gaza’s crossings poses a significant threat to the well-being of its population. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are crucial in addressing the humanitarian crisis and ensuring that aid reaches those in need. Immediate action is required to alleviate the suffering and provide essential resources to the people of Gaza.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
   • Indicator: The article mentions that northern Gaza is experiencing “full-blown famine” and that nearly all of the territory’s 2.3 million Palestinians are facing severe hunger. This indicates a lack of access to sufficient food.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Indicator: The article mentions that infectious diseases are spreading rapidly in northern Gaza, indicating a lack of access to quality essential health-care services and medicines.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
   • Indicator: The article mentions that the Israeli offensive has caused widespread devastation in Gaza, making domestic food production nearly impossible. This indicates a lack of access to adequate housing and basic services.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Indicator: The article mentions that Israel regularly launches airstrikes in and around the nearby city of Rafah, indicating a lack of equal access to justice for all.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: apnews.com

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