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Middle East Humanitarian Crisis: UN Launches Global Appeal for Gaza Aid

Middle East updates: EU and G7 discuss Iran response

Quick Facts

• The UN is set to appeal for $2.8 billion to assist three million people in the war-ravaged West Bank and Gaza.
• Despite some improvement in coordination, aid deliveries to Gaza still face significant obstacles, including long checkpoint delays.
• Israel has taken steps to alleviate the crisis, including reopening the Erez border crossing and approving temporary use of the southern port of Ashdod for aid.

**UN** to launch a global “flash appeal” for donations to prevent famine in the war-ravaged **Middle East** region, focusing on **Gaza**. The appeal aims to raise $2.8 billion to support three million people in the **West Bank** and **Gaza**. Despite efforts, aid deliveries face challenges, with 41% of requests to deliver aid to northern **Gaza** being denied. Israel’s reopening of the Erez border crossing and approval of temporary use of the Ashdod port aim to alleviate the crisis. The UN warns of the looming famine in the region, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support beyond food supplies.

The situation in **Gaza** remains dire as the UN grapples with obstacles to delivering essential aid. Despite efforts to increase coordination, significant challenges persist, including long checkpoint delays and denied aid delivery requests. Israel has taken some steps to facilitate relief, such as reopening the Erez border crossing and approving temporary use of the Ashdod port for aid. However, the UN emphasizes that the crisis is multi-faceted, requiring comprehensive efforts to address fundamental needs in areas like water, sanitation, and health. The looming famine, particularly affecting northern **Gaza**, underscores the urgency of the situation.

Despite the UN’s appeal for aid, challenges persist in delivering crucial support to the war-ravaged **Middle East** region. Coordination efforts have seen limited success, with aid delivery obstacles such as checkpoint delays and denied requests. While Israel has made some concessions, including reopening the Erez border crossing and permitting temporary use of the Ashdod port, the complexity of the crisis extends beyond food shortages. The UN emphasizes the need for holistic support encompassing vital aspects like water, sanitation, and health to avert a potential famine, particularly in northern **Gaza**.

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