US & GLOBAL: An aid truck loaded with humanitarian supplies destined for Gaza was turned away by Israel after it was discovered to contain scissors from children’s medical kits. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported this incident, and they even shared a picture of the offending item.
By Anne M Erbynstein
"Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, the main U.N. agency providing support for Palestinians in Gaza, said the truckload had been refused because medical scissors had been added to a list of items the Israeli authorities.
Israel’s strict inspections have been criticized for exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the territory. The medical scissors were blocked because Israel deemed them to have a “dual use.”
In response, Israel denied the occurrence, accusing the UNRWA official of lying. This incident highlights the challenges faced in delivering essential aid to Gaza, where the lives of two million people depend on timely assistance.
Other unusual items, such as toys in wooden boxes, sleeping bags with zippers, and sanitary pads in hygiene kits, have also been rejected during inspections.
Despite these obstacles, a charity ship named Open Arms recently set sail from Cyprus, carrying 200 tonnes of ready meals, flour, and rice. If successful, this pilot mission will break Israel’s naval blockade imposed on Gaza since 2007, potentially paving the way for more aid supplies from the US
Comments