Palestinian NGOs Demand Reopening of Gaza Borders

The Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network warned today that airdropped aid will not end the famine in Gaza and called on Israel to reopen border crossings to address the territory’s growing humanitarian crisis.

“While we appreciate the efforts of all countries delivering aid from the air, this will not resolve the crisis. On the contrary, it has caused civilian casualties and damage,” said Amjad al-Shawa, head of the organization.

In remarks to the Safa news agency, the activist emphasized that land-based deliveries are the most effective and least harmful method of assistance.

He reiterated the urgent need for increased international pressure on Israel to force the reopening of crossings, allow the entry of essential goods, and ensure the flow of large-scale aid.

Residents of the Gaza Strip are now confined “to a very densely populated area, increasing the risk that airdrops could cause more casualties,” he noted.

He also pointed out that air deliveries are extremely limited in volume and considerably more expensive.

Al-Shawa accused Israeli authorities of attempting “to deceive the international community by appearing to allow the entry of aid, while in reality only permitting very small quantities.”

He reminded that the Fourth Geneva Convention obliges an occupying power to provide essential goods and services to the population under its control.

Over the weekend, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan conducted multiple airdrops in an effort to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in the coastal enclave.

In recent weeks, pressure has mounted on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a new ceasefire agreement that could lead to an end to the conflict. This comes in response to the widespread destruction and the high death toll caused by food shortages in Gaza, with most victims being children.

Following a wave of international condemnation, the Israeli government on Saturday announced a daily “tactical pause” to allow the entry of urgent humanitarian aid. However, the move has faced criticism from far-right factions within Israel.

Despite the announcement, Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that only 73 aid trucks entered the territory on Sunday.

The office also revealed that most of those trucks were looted and robbed in full view of Israeli soldiers.