Intensified restrictions imposed on assistance flowing towards Gaza, by Israel

In the war-torn Gaza Strip, the situation continues to deteriorate as most hospitals and clinics have been destroyed or damaged due to Israeli attacks. This has led to a humanitarian crisis, with the World Food Programme estimating that at least 600 truckloads of aid are needed daily to prevent more people from starving.

Amande Bazerolle, Gaza emergency coordinator for Doctors Without Borders (MSF), has stated that conditions in Gaza are desperate and the situation is beyond the verge of collapse. The health care system has collapsed after two years of war, with the World Health Organization's supplies destroyed in a strike by Israel.

Israel has been restricting food and medicine, citing unproven claims that Hamas is stealing it. The Israeli military claims it was targeting militants, but reports suggest that Israeli settlers have been attacking aid trucks going through Israel, turning a three-hour drive to Gaza into an up to 36-hour ordeal.

In a move that has further exacerbated the crisis, Israel has begun charging customs fees for aid trucks en route to Gaza. Jordanian aid trucks have reportedly been charged between $300 and $400 per truck. Israel allows in 300 to 400 trucks a day but acknowledges that it counts commercial trucks importing food as aid.

Israel has also demanded that aid groups re-register with them this month, supplying personal details for all international and local staff and their families. This demand has been met with resistance, with MSF and over 100 other aid groups refusing to comply, citing safety concerns and potential humanitarian law violations.

The U.N. claims that the new registration requirements could allow Israel to reject groups that criticize Israeli policy. Israel has stated that aid groups objecting to the requirements could be tied to Hamas, and if they don't comply, it will shut them down.

Few Gazans can afford to buy food in the markets after two years of war. Shortages worsened in July after Israel struck a warehouse of the U.N.'s World Health Organization, destroying most of their medical supplies. Famine took hold in Gaza last month, with Israeli attacks having killed more than 63,000 people and wounded at least 160,000 since the war began nearly two years ago.

Despite these challenges, international humanitarian NGOs remain committed to aiding the people of Gaza. They continue to call on Israel to remove the restrictions, ensure the safe passage of aid, and respect the principles of humanitarian law.