The Israeli agency responsible for civilian affairs in Gaza has stated that it has increased its ability to inspect aid shipments bound for Gaza, and has blamed the UN for a long line of trucks awaiting passage into the Palestinian enclave. The UN has been citing the fighting in the area, saying it is too dangerous for its staff to go to work. While Israel has only been inspecting trucks at the smaller Nitzana crossing before entering Gaza through Rafah on the Egyptian border, it has expressed readiness to open a second border crossing. Israel states that it has been clearing more than 200 trucks of aid for passage into Gaza each day, but the UN has not been able to process and distribute the aid as fast as it comes in. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the lack of safety and security for UN staff and the intensity of military operations, with at least 130 UN staff killed so far. On another note, the U.N. General Assembly will vote on a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, with Egypt and the Republic of Mauritania noting that Israel is endangering more civilian lives and threatening regional and international peace and security. The resolution is expected to easily win approval, given that the Biden administration has no veto power in the General Assembly, and resolutions approved by the General Assembly are not binding.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
UN criticized for delayed distribution of aid to Gaza
