Calls mount to Reopen gaza Borders as Aid drops Prove Insufficient
Humanitarian organizations are increasingly urging for the full reopening of Gaza’s borders to allow for a considerable increase in aid deliveries, arguing that current methods, such as airdrops, are inadequate to address the escalating crisis. Henk van Blokland, a specialist in humanitarian logistics, emphasized the need for systemic change, stating, “You can give people a teaspoon of water, but you can also use all your resources to fix the tap, so there’s a substantial flow of water available again.” he advocates for a concerted effort to facilitate the entry of hundreds of trucks daily, coupled with ensuring safe routes for distribution, a task best handled by professional aid organizations.
Concerns are also being raised about the effectiveness of food drops, with researcher Arjen Booij pointing out that, due to the extreme scarcity in Gaza – a situation ongoing for months – airdrops often result in a “survival of the fittest” scenario, failing to reach the most vulnerable populations. The current conditions stem from restrictions imposed following the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent military response, which has severely limited the flow of goods into the Gaza Strip.
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Booij argues that focusing on food drops distracts from the core issue: the purposeful obstruction of aid access by Israeli authorities and insufficient international pressure to alter this policy. He asserts that the situation in Gaza is “a created reality” due to these restrictions. The Rafah crossing, previously a key entry point for aid, has faced intermittent closures and limitations on the types and quantities of goods allowed through. The Kerem Shalom crossing, controlled by Israel, has also experienced disruptions.
He concluded by dismissing the notion that small-scale aid efforts are meaningful, stating, “The expression ‘a drop in the ocean’ is somthing I can barely hear anymore. A drop on a hot plate evaporates, period.” The United Nations estimates that over 2.2 million people in gaza – approximately 90% of the population – are facing acute food insecurity as of March 2024, with widespread malnutrition reported, particularly among children under five. Organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF are struggling to provide adequate assistance due to logistical challenges and access constraints.