Unicef spokesman James Elder, who was on a lorry in the convoy, witnessed the fatal shooting of two Gazan fishermen while waiting at a checkpoint.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Cogat, the body coordinating Israeli government policy towards Gaza civilians, stated they facilitated the entry of aid. However, Elder described severe malnutrition levels in Gaza, with doctors needing training for unprecedented cases. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that a significant proportion of Gaza’s population faces catastrophic hunger.
Since the war began on October 7, following a Hamas attack on Israel, more than 37,000 people have been killed, and hundreds of thousands injured or displaced, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Elder noted that delays at checkpoints and consistent denial of entry prevent crucial aid from reaching 10,000 children in need.
While waiting at a checkpoint, Elder saw fishermen being shot and denied medical support by the IDF. He reported increased despondency and despair among Gaza residents, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation.
