Aid Crisis in Gaza: Humanitarian Efforts Stalled by Blockades

The Norwegian Refugee Council, a major independent aid organization, declared its resources in Gaza have been exhausted, leaving some of its staff starving. The council accuses Israel of hindering its operations in the region and has distributed their last relief supplies, said Jan Egeland, the council's secretary general, during an interview with Reuters.

The NRC, which has over 60 staff members in Gaza, supported the claims of the Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, highlighting the dire conditions as workers faint from hunger and exhaustion. Israel's conflict with Hamas has disrupted the flow of essential goods for 145 days, with worsening conditions prompting global concern.

Israel, through COGAT, refutes the allegations of restricting aid and asserts logistical challenges as the main issue. Hundreds of aid trucks remain at border crossings, awaiting collection. Despite discussions for fuel allocation, accusations of theft by Hamas add complexity to the aid distribution process.

(With inputs from agencies.)