"Key roads are virtually impassable due to the massive destruction across the devastated territory or are still controlled by Israeli forces. Any truck that breaks down is likely to be instantly looted. Zikim, the main entry point to the north of the territory, devastated by two years of war with Israel, has been closed for several weeks, and Israeli officials have told NGOs in Gaza that there are no immediate plans to open the crossing, aid workers said."
"Any opening of a crossing into Gaza is welcome, but we need to make sure we can reach people where they are, said Katy Crosby, senior director of policy and advocacy at Mercy Corps, an NGO. If we don't see more access, we will just be maintaining the status quo at best. We won't see a reduction in looting and we will see more displacement as people move to where there is more aid."
"Destruction in the north has been massive, with entire towns including Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in ruins as well as many of the outlying areas of Gaza City. Witnesses said many of the estimated 300,000 people who have returned to the north from the overcrowded coastal zone in the south where they had been sheltering during the Israeli offensive were now camping among the ruins of their homes, often without any shelter and with limited food or water."
Even if the Rafah crossing opens, NGOs will struggle to deliver supplies to Gaza City and northern areas most affected by hunger. Key roads are virtually impassable from massive destruction or remain under Israeli control, and any broken-down truck risks immediate looting. Zikim, the primary northern entry point, has been closed for weeks with no plans to open. Gaza City underwent a major offensive and remains heavily damaged. Entire towns including Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun lie in ruins. Large numbers of returnees are camping among destroyed homes without shelter, food, or water, creating acute desperation for aid.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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