In a recent press conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a substantial increase of over $400 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. Blinken emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire proposal to address the dire humanitarian situation in the region, emphasizing that Hamas must accept the ceasefire for it to be effective.
Speaking at an emergency humanitarian aid conference in Jordan, Blinken called on other nations to provide more aid to support the war-torn strip. He highlighted the catastrophic conditions in Gaza, attributing the worsening situation to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Blinken pointed out that the current United Nations appeal is only one-third funded, leaving a significant shortfall of $2 to $3 billion. He urged countries to step up and contribute to filling this gap, criticizing some nations for providing minimal or no assistance despite expressing concerns for the Palestinians in Gaza.
The new $404 million in funding from the US will cover essential necessities such as food, water, healthcare, education, and shelter. Blinken also called on Israel to facilitate the delivery of aid by speeding up inspections of trucks, clarifying which goods are prohibited, and improving access for humanitarian workers.
Despite Blinken’s praise for Israel’s efforts to open more crossings for aid delivery, humanitarian workers on the ground have reported worsening conditions, especially in areas like Rafah where many Palestinians have been displaced. The situation has reached a critical point, with international officials describing it as unprecedented in its complexity and scope.
Blinken reiterated that Hamas is the main obstacle to a ceasefire, urging all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. Other humanitarian organizations emphasized the need for a ceasefire to enable effective humanitarian work amidst the ongoing conflict.
In conclusion, international officials and aid workers are calling for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
