Oxfam has raised alarms over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in northern Gaza, revealing that only 12 trucks have successfully distributed food and water over the past two and a half months.
According to the aid organization, just 34 trucks were granted permission to enter the North Gaza Governorate during this period, but systematic delays and obstacles imposed by the Israeli military resulted in minimal aid reaching starving civilians.
The organization noted that of the 12 successful deliveries, three were made to schools where people were sheltering, but those locations were shelled within hours of receiving assistance.
Israel, which has maintained strict control over aid to the Hamas-controlled region since the conflict escalated, often cites the challenges faced by relief organizations in managing large quantities of aid as a reason for the restrictions. Rights Watch recently published a report accusing Israeli authorities of systematic efforts to deprive Gazans of water, which has likely resulted in thousands of deaths. These claims add to the ongoing accusations against Israel during the 14-month conflict with Hamas, which the country denies.
The war began following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,208 individuals, primarily civilians, according to Israeli sources. In retaliation, Israel’s military operations have reportedly claimed over 45,000 lives in Gaza, predominantly civilians, as per the Hamas-run health ministry, a figure that the United Nations considers credible.
Oxfam stated that international aid groups have faced continuous barriers to delivering essential assistance in northern Gaza since October 6, when Israeli bombardment intensified. The organization highlighted that many vulnerable individuals remain cut off from aid, making it difficult to ascertain the exact number of those affected.
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In December, humanitarian organizations received distress calls from people trapped in their homes and shelters who had run out of food and water. Oxfam recounted a specific incident in November when a convoy of 11 trucks was delayed by the Israeli military at a holding point, where some food was taken by desperate civilians. After receiving clearance to proceed, the trucks were stopped again at a military checkpoint, where soldiers forced the drivers to unload the aid in a restricted area inaccessible to civilians.
The UN General Assembly recently passed a resolution requesting the International Court of Justice to evaluate Israel’s obligations toward assisting Palestinians.
