Oxfam has sounded the alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza, revealing that only 12 trucks have successfully distributed food and water in the past two and a half months.
The aid organization reported that while 34 trucks were allowed entry into the North Gaza Governorate during this period, systematic delays and restrictions imposed by the Israeli military severely limited the delivery of essential supplies to civilians in desperate need.
Of the 12 successful deliveries, three shipments reached schools used as shelters, but these locations were shelled within hours of receiving the aid, Oxfam disclosed.
Israel, which enforces stringent controls on aid to the Hamas-controlled region, often cites logistical challenges faced by relief agencies as a reason for these restrictions. Meanwhile, Rights Watch has accused Israeli authorities of systematically depriving Gazans of access to water, a situation believed to have caused thousands of deaths. Israel denies these allegations.
The conflict, now in its 14th month, began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in 1,208 deaths, predominantly civilians, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israeli military operations have reportedly claimed over 45,000 lives in Gaza, mostly civilians, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry—a figure deemed credible by the United Nations.
Oxfam emphasized that international aid groups have faced continuous barriers to delivering essential assistance in northern Gaza since intensified Israeli bombardment began on October 6. Many vulnerable individuals remain inaccessible to aid, making it challenging to determine the full scale of the crisis.
In December, humanitarian organizations received urgent calls from residents trapped in their homes and shelters, who reported running out of food and water. Oxfam recounted a specific incident in November where an 11-truck convoy was delayed at a holding point by the Israeli military, leading desperate civilians to seize some food. After finally receiving clearance, the convoy was halted again at a military checkpoint, where drivers were forced to unload the aid in a restricted area inaccessible to the public.
The UN General Assembly recently passed a resolution requesting the International Court of Justice to assess Israel’s responsibilities in providing assistance to Palestinians.
