Despite facing delays at a new Israeli checkpoint, aid partners managed to gather over 1,000 pallets of essential supplies for Gaza in a single day, as per UN humanitarians. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed that the collected pallets at the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing included hygiene kits, blankets, tarpaulins, and medicine. Convoys heading to the checkpoint are still encountering significant delays, affecting the flow of crucial supplies.
Yesterday, congestion at the new checkpoint hindered six fuel tankers from reaching Kerem Shalom, leading to a notable reduction in the fuel volume available from the crossing, which is vital for sustaining critical services like hospitals and desalination plants. The Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing serves as the primary entry point for humanitarian cargo into Gaza, according to reports from the Xinhua news agency.
OCHA highlighted that in the last two weeks of May, close to 100 patients and over 130 caregivers were evacuated from Gaza through various crossings with assistance from the World Health Organization and partners. Despite these efforts, numerous patients, including those with severe injuries, still require specialized medical care unavailable in Gaza, with referral pathways to medical facilities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem obstructed by Israeli authorities.
The urgent need to enhance health services in Gaza was emphasized by OCHA, stressing the importance of facilitating the entry of critical medical supplies and equipment. Water-focused humanitarian partners noted a 20% decrease in overall water production in Gaza in May compared to previous months, primarily due to shortages of chemicals and spare parts. OCHA reiterated the call for the consistent entry of essential items like spare parts, pumps, and water treatment chemicals to ensure vital services reach those in need across Gaza.
