In a recent development, the United States has shown a potential shift in their stance towards the proposed resolution related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While the official position remains undisclosed, it is believed that the US could lend its support if certain concerns are addressed.
One of the key issues that caused initial hesitations from the US was the monitoring mechanism outlined in the resolution. The United Nations was proposed to oversee the entry and checks of aid into Gaza, raising concerns about potential delays and bureaucratic hurdles. However, it seems that these concerns have been taken into account and addressed, bringing the US closer to potentially supporting the resolution.
Amidst these diplomatic negotiations, Israel has introduced a new deal involving the release of 35 hostages in exchange for a one-week pause in the hostilities. Hamas, on the other hand, has insisted on a complete ceasefire in Gaza before agreeing to any hostage exchange. Despite these differing positions, US officials remain optimistic about finding a pathway towards a solution.
At the Kerem Shalom border crossing, dozens of trucks filled with humanitarian aid are preparing to enter Gaza. This marks the first week in which Israeli officials have allowed aid to pass directly from Israel, undergoing security checks at the border crossing. However, the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza cannot be overlooked, with the World Food Program estimating that around half of Gaza's population is now suffering from severe or extreme hunger.
Colonel Moshe Tetrault, who is in charge of coordinating aid into Gaza for Israel, asserts that there is no food shortage. He claims that tens of trucks loaded with food enter Gaza every day, amounting to thousands of tons of food. These statements contradict the reality on the ground, as reports indicate that people in Gaza are going hungry, skipping meals on a daily basis. Prior to the conflict, around 500 trucks of both commercial and aid supplies entered Gaza daily. Unfortunately, the current situation has resulted in less than half of that reaching its intended destination.
As the situation unfolds, humanitarian aid officials express their deep concern regarding the deteriorating conditions in Gaza. They emphasize the urgent need for increased aid to alleviate the suffering of the population. The recent interview with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, wherein he stressed the necessity for the Kerem Shalom crossing to be open, clearly highlights the critical importance of ensuring efficient aid distribution.
With the US potentially leaning towards supporting the resolution, the international community waits eagerly to see if this shift will translate into tangible progress and bring much-needed relief to the people of Gaza. Meanwhile, negotiations continue behind closed doors, with hopes of finding common ground and concrete steps towards a resolution that promotes peace and addresses the pressing humanitarian crisis in the region.
