Israelis protest the arrival of food shipments to Gaza

Kerem Shalom, Israel
CNN
—

Angry Israelis cross a straw field in an attempt to circumvent a police blockade disrupting shipments of food and supplies destined for Gaza.

For weeks, Israeli border officers have allowed protesters to disrupt vital aid convoys at Kerem Shalom, the country's only functioning border crossing with Gaza. But at the end of last month, with mounting international pressure and condemnation, the authorities announced that they would transfer additional officers to the crossing to regain control. But even with the area now declared a closed military zone, protesters continue to arrive and try to overwhelm the police.

Watch the video to see the scene.

The protests are led by the “Tsav 9” movement, a group of demobilized reservists and families of hostages and settlers. Its name, which means “Order 9,” is a reference to emergency mobilization notices that call up reservists.

Protesters say they fear the aid is helping militants who are still holding friends and relatives hostage, five months after deadly cross-border raids led by Hamas that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and captured 200 more. They hope that preventing food and supplies from entering Gaza will force Hamas to release them. A recent poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute It found that two-thirds of Israeli Jews support the view opposing the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Watch the video to see protesters say why they don't believe food should be sent to Gaza.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 30,000 people, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, and the remaining residents have been forced from their homes and are struggling to survive. The World Health Organization says Food and drinking water became scarce And diseases spread. She says there is a wave of acute malnutrition. Children are dying.

But aid has been slow in reaching those who need it most. Israel Restricts what can enterA UN official said From February 24th to March 3rd Less than 1,000 trucks entered the sectormuch less than the required 500 per day.

Some countries have begun airdropping aid, and the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union are establishing a shipping corridor in the Mediterranean to reach Gaza directly, but the United Nations says access to roads remains vital to stop the disaster from worsening.

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On Thursday, Israeli border police ensured the passage of aid trucks to the Kerem Shalom crossing, but only after repelling several attempts by demonstrators over several hours. As the day went on, officers took a more aggressive stance against the protesters.

Watch the video to see the tense exchanges.

This is a crucial moment for aid delivery through the Kerem Shalom crossing as Gaza approaches famine. According to health authorities in Gaza, at least 17 children died from malnutrition and dehydration.

Many of them are sick. Inside Kamal Adwan Hospital – the only pediatric facility still functioning in northern Gaza – doctors struggle to treat 7-year-old Fadi Al-Sant.

Watch the video to see Fadi suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition with his mother.

• Here's how to help Humanitarian efforts in Israel and Gaza.