Israel Allows Aid into Gaza, But Attacks Shelters

Israeli forces reportedly attacked shelters in northern Gaza today, shortly after the United Nations delivered critical humanitarian aid to the besieged region.

This marked the first and only permitted aid mission to the area this month, with supplies directed to distribution centers, Al Jazeera reports.

The UN's humanitarian chief expressed serious concern, likening the ongoing conditions in Gaza to some of the "gravest international crimes." The Israeli government, however, dismissed warnings of a potential famine in Gaza as "slanderous."

U.S. says Israel not blocking aid to Gaza

As per Reuters, the United States has confirmed Israel is not blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, enabling continued U.S. military assistance. Israel reported partial compliance with 16 U.S.-requested humanitarian measures, while aid groups claimed none were fully met. Over the past month, Israel allowed an average of 76 trucks into Gaza daily, which is below the U.S. target of 350 trucks. Israel also announced plans to reopen the Kissufim crossing.

Aid groups and the United Nations noted that only three crossings were operational, with fewer than 50 trucks entering daily on average. Although Israel cited daily humanitarian pauses to facilitate aid, international groups reported ongoing violence and no enhanced security at aid sites.

While Israel stated that evacuation orders are intended to protect civilians, the United Nations estimated that nearly 80% of Gaza remains under these orders, raising legal concerns among aid organizations.

Israel claimed to support the World Food Program's winter aid plans, but international bodies reported obstacles in transport, road repairs, and warehousing. Although Israel stated it improved customs processes to expedite aid, aid groups reported that restrictive procedures remained, finding Israeli efforts insufficient to meet Gaza's humanitarian needs within the 30-day U.S. deadline.

On November 9, easing months of blockade and reports of starvation deaths among Palestinians, Israel allowed 11 trucks containing food, water and medical equipment to be brought to the distribution centers for the "remaining population" in Jabalia and Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza.

Since early October, 713 trucks have brought aid to northern Gaza, along with the evacuation of 220 patients and medical support for local hospitals, the IDF claimed in a recent statement.

Despite these efforts, casualties continue to rise. Israeli airstrikes have killed over 43,665 Palestinians and injured 103,076 since the conflict began on October 7, following attacks by Hamas that killed 1,139 Israelis and led to the capture of over 200 individuals. Israeli airstrikes have also impacted neighboring Lebanon, where at least 3,287 people have died, and 14,222 others have been wounded since the escalation.