Gaza's north faces food shortages as U.S. presses Israel on aid

In early October northern Gaza faced a severe crisis‚ as food deliveries to roughly 400‚000 people were halted for two weeks. This situation reflects a controversial plan some Israeli officials support‚ aiming to clear areas of civilians

The so-called “Generals Plan“ developed by Giora Eiland‚ a former Israeli general proposes emptying regions of civilians and cutting off supplies to those who stay. Some members of Benjamin Netanyahuʼs government back this approach‚ despite opposition from the military‚ human rights groups‚ and the White House

Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken sent a letter to Israeli officials on 10/13/24 demanding increased humanitarian aid throughout Gaza. They gave Israel about a month to change course or risk losing U.S military support

Yousef Khader‚ a 35-year-old father from Jabalya refugee camp‚ shared his experience: “We have endured a year here‚ For us death is easier than moving to the south“. Khaderʼs family has been forced to relocate five times in the past year – a situation thats all too common in the region

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says its operating in Jabalya because Hamas operatives regrouped there. The IDF claims evacuation orders protect civilians and denies firing on those trying to flee. However‚ rescue workers report Israeli forces shot at families attempting to follow these orders

While Israel officially denies implementing the siege plan‚ two Israeli officials and a person close to security cabinet members confirmed some far-right ministers advocate for its adoption. Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir have openly expressed their desire for Israel to permanently occupy Gaza

The controversy has created a rift between cabinet hard-liners and top military officials. Yoav Gallant‚ the Defense Minister‚ has pushed back against the plan and tried to reassure Washington it wont be implemented

U.S officials report aid deliveries to Gaza dropped by more than 50% since spring 2024. September saw the lowest amount of assistance entering Gaza in the past year. In early October‚ no food aid reached northern Gaza for two weeks

On 10/15/24‚ 28 humanitarian trucks crossed into northern Gaza. The next day‚ 50 more trucks with aid from Jordan entered. However‚ the U.S. calls for at least 350 trucks to enter Gaza daily

Hospitals in the north are overwhelmed‚ running low on fuel and supplies as they struggle to treat the wounded. Rescue workers say its too dangerous to reach the dead in the streets

Critics argue the plan violates international law and morality. Humanitarian groups warn Gaza cant handle another mass displacement‚ with the south already overcrowded. Despite pressure to move south‚ many residents like Khader refuse: “I dont want to live in a tent‚ The people of Gazas resilience will thwart any displacement plan“