Photo: UN
The IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) and the Coordinator of Government Action in the Territories (COGAT) have announced an increase in humanitarian efforts in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, Channel 7 reports. This includes the delivery of 68,650 litres of fuel for hospitals and 800 doses of blood for transfusion units.
The enhanced humanitarian efforts are coordinated by COGAT in cooperation with the IDF 162nd Division. As part of this initiative, 33 patients and medical staff were transferred from Kamal Advan Hospital to other operating hospitals in Gaza.
Humanitarian aid and security
The IDF stressed: “In light of the IDF operations in the Jabaliya area, which are aimed at disrupting terrorist infrastructure, we continue to act in accordance with international law to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, especially in the medical field.”
In recent days, 33 patients, as well as medical and support staff, have been safely transferred from Kamal Adwan Hospital to operating hospitals in Gaza. This process was organised by COGAT in cooperation with the Red Cross and was carried out using seven ambulances and three UN vehicles.
Fuel delivery and blood donation
To ensure the continuity of essential medical services in hospitals in northern Gaza, 68,650 litres of fuel were delivered. In addition, 800 doses of blood donated by UNICEF were sent to hospitals in the region. This support was made possible as military operations against Hamas continued.
Problems with access to humanitarian aid
However, the question arises: how does Hamas get access to fuel and other humanitarian aid? According to footage published by Channel 12, Hamas terrorists are seizing about half of the humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Of the approximately 100 humanitarian aid trucks that have entered the region, Hamas has seized 47.
Footage from Rafik shows how trucks with humanitarian aid are prevented from reaching civilians. Unidentified individuals shooting at anyone who tries to approach the trucks are preventing the delivery. The cargoes seized by terrorists are sold at high prices, and the proceeds are used to finance the activities of the terrorist group.
Finally, on Monday, the Israeli Defence Forces reported that in a conversation between an IDF representative and a Gazan civilian during the evacuation, the latter described how Hamas forces beat them to prevent them from evacuating from dangerous areas.
Despite humanitarian aid efforts, the situation in Gaza remains difficult. Continued military operations and the seizure of aid by terrorists have made it difficult for civilians to access critical resources. The IDF and COGAT have pledged to continue their efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the region, but the reality is that these efforts face significant challenges.