Israel has only authorized a 'teaspoon' of aid for Gaza, U.N. chief says
Share and Follow

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Friday said Israel has only authorized for Gaza what “amounts to a teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required” and again signaled that the U.N. won’t take part in a new U.S.-backed distribution plan.

“Without rapid, reliable, safe and sustained aid access, more people will die — and the long-term consequences on the entire population will be profound,” Guterres told reporters.

Israel says about 300 trucks of aid have entered Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing since it lifted an 11-week blockade on Gaza on Monday, but Guterres said that so far only about a third of those truckloads have been transported from the crossing to warehouses within Gaza due to insecurity.

Palestinians struggle to get their food rations ouside a crowded distribution centre
Palestinians struggle to get food rations outside a crowded distribution center in Gaza last week.Bashar Taleb / AFP via Getty Images

Israel has allowed aid deliveries by the U.N. and other aid groups to briefly resume until a new U.S.-backed distribution model — run by the newly created Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — is up and running by the end of the month. The U.N. says the plan is not impartial or neutral, and that it will not be involved.

Israel said its blockade had been aimed in part at stopping Palestinian militants Hamas from diverting and seizing aid supplies. Hamas has denied stealing aid. The GHF plan involves using private security contractors to transport aid to so-called secure hubs for distribution by civilian humanitarian teams.

“The United Nations has been clear: We will not take part in any scheme that fails to respect international law and the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality,” Guterres said.

The U.N. and its partners have a plan to get the aid needed into Gaza, he said.

“The supplies — 160,000 pallets, enough to fill nearly 9,000 trucks — are waiting,” Guterres said. “This is my appeal for life-saving aid for the long-suffering people of Gaza: Let’s do it right. And let’s do it right away.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Triple murderer is executed by firing squad in South Carolina

South Carolina Executes Triple Murderer via Firing Squad

A South Carolina man, convicted of a chilling killing spree, faced execution…
Whitesnake's David Coverdale's wife: He wanted to retire 35 years ago

Whitesnake’s David Coverdale Reveals Surprising Retirement Plans from Decades Ago

Cindy Barker is more than ready for her spouse, David Coverdale, to…
Paris Jackson seen after losing legal battle with dad Michael's estate

Paris Jackson Spotted Following Legal Dispute Over Michael Jackson’s Estate

With a heavy heart, Paris Jackson was seen in Los Angeles on…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Barstool boss feels the hate

Barstool Boss Bombarded: Fox News Unveils Antisemitism Surge in New Newsletter

The “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter from Fox News highlights the growing issue of…
'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' is streaming for free this weekend. Here's how to watch

Stream ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ for Free This Weekend – Find Out How!

It’s the perfect weekend to enjoy the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special without…
Bryan Kohberger fights $27K restitution for victims’ families while taking money behind bars

Jailhouse Fortune: Court Orders Bryan Kohberger to Compensate Victims’ Families

In a recent disclosure by an Idaho court, it was unveiled that…
Ancient goblet found in West Bank holds oldest image of the universe's birth: study

Unearthed West Bank Goblet Reveals Oldest Cosmic Birth Image – A Groundbreaking Discovery

A recently discovered 4,300-year-old silver goblet from the West Bank features what…
Weatherford, OK chemical spill: Anhydrous ammonia gas leak from truck behind Holiday Inn Express sickens dozens, forces evacuation

Chemical Leak in Weatherford, OK: Dozens Fall Ill and Evacuated After Anhydrous Ammonia Incident Near Hotel

A tanker truck leaked hazardous ammonia gas in the parking lot of…