Aid into Gaza hits 11-month low despite US ultimatum to Israel
The Guardian|November 12, 2024
The amount of aid reaching Gaza has dropped to the lowest level since December, official Israeli figures show, despite the US having issued a 30-day ultimatum last month threatening sanctions if there was no increase in humanitarian supplies reaching the territory.
Jason Burke
Aid into Gaza hits 11-month low despite US ultimatum to Israel

The ultimatum was delivered on 13 October, so will expire today or tomorrow. It is unclear what measures Israel's apparent failure to fulfil US demands will trigger, but they may include a temporary halt to the supply of some munitions or other military assistance.

Only 8,805 tonnes of food aid has crossed through Israeli checkpoints into the territory so far this month. In an apparent last-minute concession yesterday, Israeli authorities announced an extension of the designated "humanitarian zone", adding inland areas that could partially relieve intense overcrowding and allow some displaced people to move away from the coast as winter approaches.

However, Israel appears to have ignored most of the demands made in a letter sent jointly by Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, and Lloyd Austin, the defence secretary, on 13 October.

Aid officials in Gaza describe the situation in much of the territory, where more than 80% of the population of 2.3 million has been displaced and more than two-thirds of buildings have been destroyed or damaged in 13 months of war, as "apocalyptic". One UN official said: "Almost nothing is getting in any more. The small street markets that sprang up have all gone. There's a bit of flour, some washing-up liquid... a kilo of tomatoes costs nearly $20 [£15.50]. Even if you have money there is nothing to buy. Everyone is going hungry again."

This story is from the November 12, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 12, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GUARDIANView All
Explained What is the Kumbh Mela holy gathering?
The Guardian

Explained What is the Kumbh Mela holy gathering?

What is the Kumbh Mela? The Kumbh Mela is the world's largest religious gathering, widely seen as the \"festival of festivals\" in the Hindu religious calendar.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 30, 2025
The Guardian

Electric cars Ministers mull guarantee on loans for EVS

The government is reportedly considering subsidising purchases of electric vehicles by guaranteeing consumer loans, as it looks at ways to boost sales that are failing to reach official targets.

time-read
1 min  |
January 30, 2025
Abramovich may owe HMRC £1bn for unpaid taxes, analysis suggests
The Guardian

Abramovich may owe HMRC £1bn for unpaid taxes, analysis suggests

The billionaire Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich may owe the HMRC in Britain as much as £1bn, according to analysis of documents that suggests his companies failed to pay tax on profits from an elaborate offshore investment scheme.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 30, 2025
Police blamed as crush kills dozens of pilgrims at Hindu festival in India
The Guardian

Police blamed as crush kills dozens of pilgrims at Hindu festival in India

At least 30 people have been killed and scores injured in crowd crushes at the Kumbh Mela festival, Indian police have confirmed, as vast numbers of people went to bathe at one of the holiest sites of the Hindu gathering.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 30, 2025
The Guardian

Car production in UK slides to lowest level for seven decades

British car production fell to its lowest level in seven decades in 2024, barring the coronavirus pandemic, as the industry struggles with weak demand and prepares to shift away from fossil fuels to electric vehicles.

time-read
1 min  |
January 30, 2025
Stage review A spine-chilling wheeze that's destined to linger
The Guardian

Stage review A spine-chilling wheeze that's destined to linger

Inside No 9: Stage/Fright Wyndham's theatre, London

time-read
2 mins  |
January 30, 2025
Syria Rebel leader Sharaa appointed transitional president
The Guardian

Syria Rebel leader Sharaa appointed transitional president

The former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist rebel group that led the military operation to topple the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad last month, has been appointed president of the country for a \"transitional period\".

time-read
1 min  |
January 30, 2025
Coraline musical cancelled after allegations against Neil Gaiman
The Guardian

Coraline musical cancelled after allegations against Neil Gaiman

A stage version of Neil Gaiman's Coraline was cancelled yesterday after allegations of sexual misconduct against the author.

time-read
1 min  |
January 30, 2025
The Guardian

Water bills to increase by average of £123 from April

Water bills will rise by an average of £123 this year in the biggest hit to customer pockets since the industry was privatised 36 years ago, as the public pays to replace ageing infrastructure and cut record sewage pollution.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 30, 2025
The Guardian

NHS to offer thousands with severe dust mite allergy daily pill

Thousands of people in England with severe dust mite allergy are to be offered a first-of-its-kind daily pill on the NHS to treat the condition.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 30, 2025