Israel has dismissed claims that it is blocking baby formula and food supplies for children in Gaza.
In a public statement on Sunday, July 13, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs termed the accusations false and misleading.
Further, the authorities clarified that there is no ban or restriction on the entry of baby formula or food into the Gaza Strip.
According to the statement, over 1,400 tons of baby food and infant formula have already been delivered to Gaza, including specialized formula for infants with specific nutritional needs.
“Let’s make it clear: contrary to claims, there is no ban or any kind of restriction on baby formula or baby food,
“Recently, over 1,400 tons of baby food and infant formula have been facilitated into Gaza, some of which were specific formula for infants,” the statement read in part.
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Israel Clarifies the Ban
It emphasized that the delivery and facilitation of such aid is ongoing and based on needs and requests from international aid organizations and humanitarian agencies operating in the region.
The clarification comes amid reports that essential supplies, including food and medicine for children, were being blocked from entering the war-torn territory.
Humanitarian groups and global observers have raised concerns about deteriorating living conditions for civilians in Gaza, especially vulnerable populations such as children and infants.
However, Israel has reiterated that its aid policy is focused only on the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s civilians, not on supporting Hamas or any other militant groups.
“We will continue facilitating baby formula and food based on requests from the international community. Aid for the civilian population, not Hamas,” the statement added.
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Humanitarian Organizations Point Fingers
Earlier, officials from several humanitarian organizations lamented that child malnutrition is climbing to alarming levels in Gaza.
Further, they stated that Israel had started imposing customs duties on aid purchased outside Israel since partially lifting its blockade in May after 78 days.
Additionally, the officials said that Israeli authorities are pushing aid organizations to buy their products in Israel, even though they are much more expensive than they would be in the West Bank, Jordan, or elsewhere.
Israel has been hampering the delivery of much-needed baby formula into Gaza, where child malnutrition is climbing to alarming levels, international aid organizations say.
Officials from several organizations tell Haaretz that Israel has started to impose customs duties on aid purchased outside Israel since partially lifting its blockade in May after 78 days. This practice is not done by other countries that neighbor conflict zones, including those near Russia.
The officials said that Israeli authorities are pushing aid organizations to buy their products in Israel, even though they are much more expensive than they would be in the West Bank, Jordan, or elsewhere.
The policy had therefore left some aid organizations unable to afford to cost of baby formula and other essential products
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