Food Aid Crisis: Gaza's Struggle Amidst Stalled Supplies

In the heart of Jordan, warehouses are bursting with food and medicine meant for Gaza. These supplies, intended to combat malnutrition, are rotting away. Israel's restrictions have halted their entry since March. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is at a loss. Their main warehouse is overflowing with tens of thousands of boxes. These boxes are packed with essentials like flour, chickpeas, and medicine. Some of this food will expire in July. UNRWA is forced to throw away some of it. Jordan has become a key player in this crisis. The United States and its military have made Jordan the main hub for humanitarian aid to Gaza. This is since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in 2023. Jordan's proximity to Gaza makes it a crucial route for aid. However, Israel's new policies are blocking aid from Jordan and Egypt. This leaves hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of goods stranded. Israel claims that Hamas is stealing aid. However, the United Nations and other aid officials dispute this. They argue that Israel has not provided evidence of systematic aid diversion by Hamas. Aid organizations have established reliable distribution systems in Gaza. These systems have been in place for decades. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has faced criticism. This new aid organization lacks transparency. Details about its funding and staff are scarce. The first head of GHF resigned, citing the organization's inability to operate according to humanitarian principles. The GHF's distribution methods are also problematic. They require Palestinians to travel to specific access points in southern Gaza. This contrasts with other aid groups that deliver food throughout communities. The halt in aid shipments has severely limited the number of meals distributed daily. Medical supplies are also at risk. UNRWA, the primary provider of primary health care in Gaza, has seen its medical supplies cut in half. Doctors Without Borders is rationing basic medical items. The Israeli military and the State Department have differing views on the aid restrictions. This adds to the confusion and frustration surrounding the crisis.