On Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates announced that it has successfully negotiated with Israel to enable the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid from the Gulf to Gaza, as reported by the state news agency WAM.
The U.N. humanitarian affairs office stated on the same day that Israel has consented to allow around 100 trucks carrying aid to enter Gaza, a significant increase from the mere nine authorized the previous day. However, this amount remains insufficient given the dire conditions faced by the Gazan population, which is reportedly nearing famine, as indicated by aid organizations and international groups.
In recent days, international outcry against Israel has grown as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration has resumed its severe military actions against Gaza, targeting areas such as refugee camps and medical facilities.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, remarked on Tuesday that the European Union will reassess its trade relationship with Israel due to the “catastrophic” circumstances in Gaza.
The agreement between the UAE and Israel resulted from a phone discussion between UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
WAM reported that the initial aid supplies are expected to address the food needs of approximately 15,000 people in Gaza, including essential items for bakeries and critical supplies for infant care.
Earlier, a representative from the U.N. humanitarian office in Geneva confirmed that Israel had granted permission for around 100 aid trucks to enter Gaza.
Israel has indicated its intention to escalate military operations and exert control over the entire region of Gaza, which has faced extensive air and ground assaults since the Hamas attack in October 2023.
The Israeli military announced the commencement of a new operation last week, and medical professionals in Gaza report that over 500 individuals have died from Israeli airstrikes in the last eight days.
Additionally, Israel has restricted the arrival of medical supplies, food, and fuel into Gaza since early March, leading international experts to warn of an impending famine, despite some trucks being permitted entry on Monday.