UAE and Jordan Amplify Aid Efforts in Gaza Crisis
Collaborative Efforts by the UAE and Jordan
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan have intensified their humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip, conducting critical air missions to deliver aid to civilians during an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The UAE announced on Sunday that it completed its 54th humanitarian and relief air drop, according to the state-run WAM news agency. Meanwhile, Jordan carried out three air drops, one of which was coordinated with the UAE, as reported by the Petra News Agency.
Aiming to Reach Isolated Areas
The UAE emphasized that these missions aim to provide essential aid to civilians stranded in areas of Gaza that are otherwise unreachable by land. The air missions utilized C-130 aircrafts from the UAE Air Force and the Royal Jordanian Air Force, successfully delivering 25 tonnes of food and humanitarian supplies to affected areas.
Israel's Limited Pause in Hostilities
In a response to escalating global criticism and increasing humanitarian concerns, the Israeli military announced a 'limited pause' in fighting in three densely populated areas of Gaza: Gaza City, Deir Al Balah, and Al Mawasi. The pause began on Sunday, July 27, and is scheduled daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time until further notice. The stated goal of this tactical pause is to enable the delivery of aid and to address the acute hunger crisis affecting the population of Gaza.
Rising Starvation and Malnutrition
Reports from the Gaza Health Ministry reveal the gravity of the humanitarian situation. The ministry has recorded 133 deaths from malnutrition, including 87 children, with six new deaths reported in the past 24 hours alone. Among the tragic cases is that of a five-month-old infant, Zainab Abu Haleeb, who succumbed to malnutrition at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
International Alarm Over Humanitarian Crisis
Global concerns over the deteriorating situation in Gaza have grown significantly. Aid organizations warn that the territory's 2.3 million residents are facing mass starvation, prompting calls for immediate action. On Sunday, the Egyptian Red Crescent dispatched over 100 lorries carrying 1,200 metric tonnes of food supplies into southern Gaza through the Karam Abu Salem crossing.
Pressure on Israel Over Aid Restrictions
A coalition of 25 countries, including France, Britain, and Canada, recently condemned the restrictive flow of aid into Gaza, calling Israel's withholding of humanitarian essentials 'unacceptable.' French President Emmanuel Macron's recognition of Palestinian statehood in September reflects an international shift toward addressing Palestinian suffering more directly.
UN Pledges to Enhance Aid Efforts
The United Nations has welcomed the limited ceasefire, viewing it as an opportunity to intensify aid delivery to Gaza's starving population. Speaking on his official account on X, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher stated that teams on the ground are prepared to respond immediately. However, Fletcher cautioned about the catastrophic and worsening conditions in the enclave.
UN's Call for Increased Access
The UN highlighted the need for Israel to open crossings, allow the entry of fuel and equipment, and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. Fletcher's office stated that if these measures are implemented, they could accelerate the distribution of essential aid, including food supplies, clean water, medical resources, and shelter materials, in Gaza.
Deadlock in Ceasefire Negotiations
Efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, led by Qatar, have hit a standstill. Both Israel and the United States acknowledged on Friday that negotiations had stalled due to Hamas's perceived unwillingness to reach an agreement. These developments occur as international scrutiny sharpens over Israel's handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Future Aid and Relief Prospects
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