UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher has expressed concern that 14,000 children could die in the next 48 hours if more aid does not reach the Gaza Strip in Palestine.
He said, “I want to protect these 14,000 children as much as I can.”
Meanwhile, Israel has lifted its 11-week blockade on the delivery of aid to Gaza. However, Fletcher said, only five lorries have been able to reach there with aid.
He expressed hope that at least 100 relief lorries will be able to reach Gaza today.
He also said, “We need to provide massive humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. Whether more aid can be received there will be the real test of the UN.”
On the other hand, the United Kingdom, France and Canada have warned Israel about intensifying its military operation in Gaza and asked it to stop. At the same time, the three countries have suggested increasing the flow of aid to Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the war could end tomorrow if Hamas releases all hostages and hands over its weapons.
Hamas still holds 58 hostages, 23 of whom are believed to be alive.
Sources: BBC, The Guardian