The “Vineyard of Peace”. This is what the Israeli name Kerem Shalom means in German. The small kibbutz is the main chokepoint for the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip. Since the brutal attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 Israelis were murdered and more than 200 hostages were kidnapped – 100 of which are still in the hands of the terrorists – there has been repeated unrest and violence.
Just a few days ago, Israeli air defenses successfully intercepted a Hamas rocket fired specifically at Kerem Shalom. It is the first visit by a journalist since the terrorist organization’s devastating attack.
Israel refutes the criticism: there are problems with logistics
The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains tense, despite extensive efforts to deliver aid to the area. As the Israeli Army (IDF) tries to free the hostages from the clutches of Hamas, it shows journalists how aid for the Palestinian population is being transported to Gaza.
IDF officer Abdullah Halabi emphasizes that the delivery of humanitarian aid has been ongoing for months. “We have more than 800 truckloads here waiting for the international community to take over and deliver to the people of Gaza,” explains Halabi, who is also head of COGAT, the Israeli military unit responsible for Help’s humanitarian coordination. However, Halabi sees the main problems not in Israel’s preparedness, but in the international community’s logistical hurdles. “We are facing obstacles,” he says. There is a lack of trucks and logistics employees to make supplies more efficient.
The political discussion about humanitarian aid to Gaza has also become more heated in the US. Although the Biden administration has put pressure on Israel to improve conditions in Gaza, there are generally significant disagreements among American politicians.
UNRWA remains a red flag for Israel
Republican Senator Tom Cotton, an ally of Donald Trump, wrote: “The US should not be involved in providing aid to Gaza. Aid to Gaza will only prolong Hamas’ rule.” This position contrasts with other international efforts. According to Halabi, Israel is working with organizations such as UNICEF, Rahma Worldwide and World Food Kitchen to deliver urgently needed relief supplies. Logistical support comes mainly from Egypt, Jordan, the West Bank and Israel itself. “Our warehouses are full,” says Halabi. Food such as potatoes, apples, pasta and water are ready to be transported.
Israel only refuses to cooperate with UNRWA, the UN aid agency for Palestinians. The Israeli government accuses UNRWA of having ties to Hamas. According to Israeli sources, several employees of the aid organization were involved in the October 7 massacre. Austria suspended its payments to UNRWA early this year before resuming them in May. UNRWA spokeswoman Juliette Touma made no comment when confronted with the allegations.
There is also hope for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip
The Israeli embassy in Austria sharply criticized UNRWA on Thursday: “75 years. Billions of dollars. For what? To perpetuate the refugee crisis while encouraging terrorism. UNRWA is the problem. Not the solution,” said a post on social media.
The ceasefire between Israel and the terrorist organization Hezbollah in Lebanon could free up forces for the IDF to step up its action against the remaining Hamas strongholds in the Gaza Strip and put an end to the suffering of the population. But hopes for a break in the struggle also gained new support. According to media reports, representatives of the Islamist militia and the Egyptian government want to resume recently stalled negotiations in Cairo on a break in fighting in the Gaza Strip and a prisoner exchange.
Benjamin Weinthal
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
