U.N. Criticizes Israeli Aid Program Amid Escalating Tensions in Gaza

As Israel faces international scrutiny for its handling of aid in Gaza, the U.N. highlights the dangers posed by a newly implemented aid system, prompting outrage from European officials over the situation.

The U.N. has raised alarms over Israel's new aid operations in Gaza, following a chaotic scene where crowds surged into a food warehouse, resulting in injuries and fatalities. A senior U.N. humanitarian official referred to Israel's attempts to control aid for Palestinians as an "assault on their human dignity." The criticisms come amidst rising tensions as European nations voice their discontent with both the aid strategy and Israel's military actions.

The World Food Program reported that on Tuesday, during the launch of the aid initiative, desperate crowds overwhelmed a distribution site in central Gaza, leading to a tragic outcome with at least two people dead. According to Patrick Kingsley, our Jerusalem bureau chief, this disapproval from the U.N. was anticipated, as the organization has consistently warned that the new program, replacing the previous system operated by U.N. agencies, could further jeopardize the safety and well-being of civilians.

Israel defends its strategy as a necessary measure to prevent Hamas from hoarding resources. Critics, however, argue that this approach endangers lives by forcing people to travel extensive distances to sparse aid sites within Israeli-controlled territory, potentially facilitating a strategy to displace northern Gaza's population.

European diplomats have joined the fray, condemning the disproportionate use of military force and civilian casualties. Kaja Kallas, the E.U.'s top diplomat, emphasized that humanitarian aid must remain free from political or military entanglements, reiterating the need for measured and humane responses to the crisis.