UN Warns Gaza Aid Delivery Remains Critically Slow Amid Famine Fears

Humanitarian aid into Gaza is still moving far too slowly. A United Nations spokesperson issued this stark warning on Friday. The situation remains dire despite a recent ceasefire.

The warning comes as the US pushes a new peace plan at the Security Council. The plan includes a proposed international security force. Progress on aid is not matching the immense need on the ground.

Ceasefire Fails to Unlock Sufficient Aid Routes

The UN and its partners have delivered 37,000 metric tonnes of aid since October 10. Most of this aid is food. According to UN spokesperson Farhan Haq, this is not enough.

Access into Gaza is still severely restricted. Only two crossing points are currently open. NGO staff are also being denied entry, complicating distribution efforts.

The World Food Programme aims to reach 1.6 million people. It has distributed parcels to one million so far. Each parcel provides a family with food for ten days.

US Draft Resolution Proposes Long-Term Security Framework

Separately, new details emerged on a US draft Security Council resolution. The text supports a key part of a broader peace plan. It welcomes the proposed formation of a transitional governing body for Gaza.

This body, referred to as the “Board of Peace,” would have a mandate until 2027. The resolution also authorizes an International Stabilization Force. This force would aim to secure borders and demilitarize Gaza.

Diplomatic sources note several unresolved questions about the plan. These include the lack of a Security Council oversight mechanism. The role of the existing Palestinian Authority is also unclear.

The slow pace of aid delivery continues to threaten lives in Gaza. The UN’s warning underscores a critical gap between policy and practical need. The proposed US peace plan now faces the complex task of addressing both immediate aid and long-term security simultaneously.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How much aid has entered Gaza since the ceasefire?

Since the October 10 ceasefire, 37,000 metric tonnes of aid have entered Gaza. The UN reports most of this is food. However, officials state this amount is insufficient for the population’s needs.

Q2: What is the main obstacle to aid delivery?

Access remains the primary obstacle. Only two crossings into Gaza are currently open. Aid groups are also denied direct access to northern Gaza from Israel.

Q3: What is the “Board of Peace” mentioned in the US plan?

The “Board of Peace” is a proposed transitional governing body for Gaza. Its mandate, as outlined in the US draft, would last until the end of 2027. It is a central part of a broader 20-point peace plan.

Q4: What would the proposed international force do?

The proposed International Stabilization Force would aim to provide border security. It would work with Israel and Egypt. A key goal is the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.

Q5: How many people is the World Food Programme trying to reach?

The World Food Programme aims to provide food parcels to 1.6 million people in Gaza. The agency has reached one million people so far. Each parcel contains enough food for a family for ten days.