Live Updates on the Israel-Hamas Conflict – The New York Times

Under intense international scrutiny, Israel has made efforts this month to expedite the flow of aid into Gaza, though humanitarian groups say that more is needed as severe hunger has gripped the enclave, particularly in the devastated north.

Israel’s efforts to increase aid routes have been acknowledged by the Biden administration and international aid officials in the last week. More aid trucks are now reaching Gaza, especially in the north.

The increased levels of aid are a positive development, but experts caution that it is too early to declare that the looming famine, which has been a concern for weeks, is no longer a risk. Arif Husain, the chief economist at the United Nations World Food Program, emphasized the need for sustained efforts in providing food, water, and medicine to the people of Gaza.

“This cannot just happen for a day or a week — it has to happen every single day for the foreseeable future,” Mr. Husain said. “If we can do this, then we can ease the pain, we can avert famine.”

Israel has faced mounting international pressure to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Aid groups have criticized the limited flow of aid into the enclave, citing war conditions, strict inspections, and restrictions on crossing points. Israel has defended these measures as necessary to prevent supplies from falling into the hands of Hamas.

Following a phone call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Biden in early April, Israel announced the opening of new aid routes. Aid is now reaching Gaza through additional avenues, including a partially functioning border crossing into northern Gaza and the port of Ashdod.

Efforts are underway to make the northern crossing permanent and to open another nearby, according to Shani Sasson, a spokeswoman for COGAT, the Israeli agency overseeing policy for the Palestinian territories.

The increase in aid deliveries is evident, with about 100 trucks a day now reaching the northern half of Gaza, compared to a total of 350 trucks in nearly the entire month of March. Flour shipments from the World Food Program have also increased, enhancing the efficiency of food deliveries in northern Gaza.

In addition to land routes, a maritime route is expected to open soon, with the United States deploying Army engineers to construct a floating pier that could facilitate the delivery of up to two million meals a day. The Israeli military has pledged to provide security and logistical support for this initiative.

Despite conflicting reports on the actual amount of aid reaching Gaza, both Israel and the United Nations acknowledge the need for further steps to address the urgent humanitarian situation. Sigrid Kaag, the U.N.’s top coordinator for humanitarian aid in Gaza, called for definitive and urgent actions to meet the desperate needs of the population.

As efforts to increase aid continue, the international community remains vigilant in monitoring the situation in Gaza and ensuring that the people receive the necessary support to alleviate their suffering.