Tel Aviv is taking several steps to delay and deny aid to the people of Gaza as children have begun starving to death
Israel is using bureaucratic red tape to delay the entry of aid workers into the West Bank and Gaza. The policy has led to fewer humanitarian aid workers providing services to Palestinians, as many children are on the brink of starvation.
According to Haaretz, the Population and Immigration Authority is refusing to grant visas for employees of international aid agencies that operate in Gaza and the West Bank. Officials in Tel Aviv claim the visas had not been issued due to bureaucratic rearrangement. However, aid workers told Haaretz they believe the denials are politically motivated.
The Israeli outlet reports that as well as not approving new visas, it is refusing to extend visas for aid workers already in Gaza and the West Bank. The lack of workers has disrupted the activities of several aid organizations operating in the Strip.
Tel Aviv has taken several steps to block and slow aid transfers to Gaza. Israel has blocked US-funded flour from reaching Gaza, Tel Aviv has established an inspection regime that prevents live-saving aid from entering the Strip, and Israeli forces have targeted the Gazan police force that helps secure aid as it is distributed in the besieged enclave.
The Israeli onslaught in Gaza has created a humanitarian crisis that American officials have compared to the horrific situation that once plagued Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. Children in Gaza have starved to death, including a two-month-old boy who died on Friday.
In addition to hindering aid operations in Gaza, the visa restrictions have also impacted international organizations that assist Palestinians in the West Bank. After Israel began its onslaught in Gaza, Tel Aviv stepped up military raids in the West Bank.
The Israeli raids in the West Bank have resulted in thousands of arrests. Many of the Palestinians are detained without charges. Additionally, Israeli forces have often stood by while Israeli settlers in the West Bank have killed, harassed, and chased Palestinians from their homes. Nearly 400 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli forces over the past four and a half months, including over 100 children.
This article was originally featured at Antiwar.com and is republished with permission.
