Latin Patriarchate and Order of Malta send 40 tons of aid to Gaza

Aid includes individual packages that can feed a family of five for a month. More will follow, including action on medical assistance, which is reeling. Various agencies warn that the Rafah invasion has brought the humanitarian aid system to its knees.

Rome (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in coordination with the Order of Malta announced another delivery of aid to people in northern Gaza.

This “is the second delivery of vital relief supplies to the parish in Gaza, which will be distributed to people in need in the following days,” reads a press release issued today by the Patriarchate.

This is crucial considering that the invasion of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, is making the humanitarian crisis even worse. Begun over two months ago, it involves Israel’s 162nd division.

Meanwhile, the remains of five Israeli hostages taken on 7 October, four soldiers and a civilian, Maya Goren, have been recovered.

Various agencies operating in the Palestinian territory are concerned about the logistical difficulties of getting aid to Gazans, with assistance projects forcibly put on hold.

The aid system has been on its knees for weeks, unable to guarantee efficiency and consistency. The situation has been made worse recently by the fact that the floating pier off the coast of Gaza, installed by the US army in mid-May, has been shut down.

“A total of 40 tons of non-perishable food in kits were delivered for distribution on July 23rd, 2024 by Malteser International, at the new distribution Center established by the Latin Patriarchate near the Patriarchate’s compound in northern Gaza,” reads the press release.

The kits, which are designed to feed an entire family of five for a month, are being handed out at present, while plans are being worked out for the next delivery, given the urgency of the inhumane living conditions of Gazans.

“While the second humanitarian relief delivery has been successfully completed, further planning is already in progress,” Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem goes on to say in its communiqué.

“In addition to the provision of non-perishable food, ready-to-eat meals and specialized food for malnourished children and adults as well as other essential supplies, plans are underway to identify ways to provide medical care on the ground.”

In Gaza, the healthcare system is in great trouble. Before the invasion, Rafah, a city on the border with Egypt, was the reference point for humanitarian agencies, where they were to operate safely.

Even before Israel’s southern offensive was launched, it was clear it would lead to a collapse of already inadequate humanitarian aid programmes.

• gaza
• israel
• latin patriarchate of jerusalem
• older of malta
• aid
• rafah
• healthcare
• food