While I was pleased to hear that at least some aid is beginning to cross the border into Gaza, I think the scale needs to be put into context (Rishi Sunak presses for restoration of water supplies in Gaza, 22 October).
For 20 trucks to provide relief for 2 million people, each truck would have to cover the needs of 100,000 people – or 10% more than the capacity of Wembley stadium (which holds 90,000 people).
The payload of a 44-tonne lorry is less than 30 tonnes. This 30 tonnes divided among 100,000 people works out at 300g per person – which equates to 300ml (a little over half a pint) of water, or an apple and a small wineglass full of water, per person, per day.
Seen in these terms, it is blindingly obvious that the aid which has so far arrived does not even begin to scratch the surface of what is fast becoming a humanitarian disaster.
Dr John Holloway
Audierne, France
