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Israeli President Isaac Herzog has dismissed the allegations that Israel is behind the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that the country is acting in accordance with international law in its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
In his first trip to the Palestinian lands since the war in October 2023, Herzog assured Israeli soldiers that the activities of the military, including the delivery of humanitarian assistance, are within legal parameters. “We’re acting here in accordance with international law. We’re providing humanitarian assistance in accordance with international law,” he explained, according to his office statement.
Herzog laid the blame squarely on Hamas, accusing the militant group and its allies of intentionally hindering aid efforts to thwart Israel’s military campaign.
Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), which oversees the delivery of aid into Gaza, reported that some 950 truckloads of supplies are now at the Kerem Shalom and Zikim border crossings, awaiting pickup by the United Nations.
A COGAT spokesman said that the amount of aid at these crossings was sufficient to supply Gaza’s needs for approximately two and a half weeks. “At this point, we have not seen indications of starvation,” he added, but underlined the need to stabilise the humanitarian situation. He admitted that although food is entering the border, much of it isn’t being effectively distributed within Gaza.
The official also mentioned ongoing talks between COGAT and UN representatives to resolve issues with aid distribution. He claimed there are no obstacles to moving aid into Gaza at the border itself. However, logistical issues and security conditions inside the enclave have made on-ground distribution difficult.
While a deal had been struck to deliver 70 to 80 truckloads of supplies into Gaza on Tuesday, only 30 were delivered, the COGAT said.
In contrast, the UN accused COGAT of systematically rejecting its requests to bring in and distribute relief. It also cited the hazardous conditions in Gaza as a significant stumbling block to reaching civilians with relief.
The conflict underlines the growing rift between Israeli authorities and international organizations on who is behind the deteriorating crisis and what action is necessary to prevent aid from going to those in dire need.
