The United Nations has sounded a dire warning that 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within the next 48 hours unless humanitarian aid reaches critical areas immediately. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher emphasized the urgent need to “flood” Gaza with essential supplies, describing the situation as “extraordinary” and “utterly chilling.”
“Our strong teams on the ground report an impending catastrophe,” Fletcher stated. “Without immediate action, thousands of the youngest and most vulnerable could perish due to a lack of basic food and medical care.”
Despite receiving permission from Israel for approximately 100 additional aid trucks to enter Gaza on Tuesday, the UN reported that only nine trucks were cleared, and just five actually crossed the Kerem Shalom border crossing. “The level of supplies entering Gaza is a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed,” Fletcher lamented.
International Concerns Grow
The UK has suspended negotiations with Israel on a new free trade agreement, announced Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Parliament. “We will be reviewing our cooperation with them under the 2030 bilateral roadmap,” Lammy said. “The Netanyahu government’s actions have made this necessary.”
In a joint statement, the UK, France, and Canada threatened Israel with new sanctions if the current offensive continues and aid is blocked. “We cannot stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions,” the leaders declared, calling the military campaign “wholly disproportionate.”
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged for humanitarian supplies to Gaza to be “immediate, massive, and without hindrance.” He also expressed France’s determination to recognize a Palestinian state, stating, “We cannot leave the children of Gaza a legacy of violence and hatred.”
Reacting to international pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that “our best friends in the world” are warning of eroding global support for Israel. However, he reaffirmed Israel’s goal to achieve “complete victory” over Gaza, including the release of hostages held by Hamas and the destruction of the militant group. “We must act in a way that cannot be stopped,” Netanyahu asserted.
Escalation of Conflict
The Israeli military launched a new offensive named ‘Operation Gideon’s Chariots’ on Friday. On Tuesday, airstrikes killed at least 50 Palestinians in Gaza, including women and children, according to local health authorities. Residential homes and a school housing displaced families in the southern city of Khan Younis were among the targets.
Amid the intensifying conflict, the European Union is considering suspending its association agreement with Israel. Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, indicated that discussions are underway. “There are thousands of trucks behind the borders waiting. It is European money that has funded this humanitarian aid, and it has to reach the people,” Kallas stated.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and unfettered access for aid to reach those in desperate need.
