Israeli protesters have once again blocked aid trucks from entering Gaza, demanding the release of Israeli hostages before any further assistance is delivered to the enclave. In southern Israel, protesters took to the streets, defying police checkpoints and walking towards Karim Shalom, Israel's only functioning border crossing to Gaza, to block aid convoys.
While the army and police initially attempted to stop the protesters, they struggled to do so due to the large number of people involved. Protesters argued that soldiers sympathized with their cause, as they all have children in Gaza, creating a sense of unity among them.
The protests, organized by a man named Sefi, have been ongoing for the past four days, effectively halting the flow of aid across the border. The demonstrators advocate for a simple demand: the release of more than 130 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. They assert that humanitarian aid will be provided once their own people are returned safely.
However, not all Israelis are in favor of this approach. Some argue that Hamas poses a significant threat and should not receive any aid amidst the ongoing conflict. Prior to the war, around 500 aid trucks crossed the border daily, but now, even without the protests, the number has dwindled significantly, falling below the minimum recommended by the United Nations.
Critics of the protests express concern for the potential consequences of blocking aid, particularly the suffering it may cause, especially among children. Doctors Without Borders warns that people in Gaza are already experiencing dire conditions, with looting of aid trucks and a lack of essential supplies. They emphasize that more lives may be lost if aid continues to be withheld.
As the day progresses, tensions escalate, with police and soldiers facing difficulties in maintaining control. In one instance, trucks were mistakenly believed to be moving toward Gaza and were subsequently sent back to Egypt, leading to an eruption of further protests.
In response to the unrest, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) pledges to tighten security in the area surrounding the border crossing. The situation remains tense, with both sides resolute in their demands, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen as aid is insufficiently delivered to those in need.
