
TOKYO: Israel must “change its hostile attitude toward UN agencies and ensure the safety of humanitarian activities” in Gaza, an editorial in the Asahi newspaper stated on Saturday.
The editorial noted that Israel “had blockaded Gaza and deprived its residents of their freedom” during the 15 months of war in the Gaza Strip.
It added that, according to the United Nations, from last October to the end of the year, its humanitarian aid units made 165 attempts to bring supplies into northern Gaza, but 149 of those missions were denied by Israeli authorities. In addition, vehicles marked with the UN logo were frequently attacked by the Israeli military who killed 360 people involved in aid efforts.
“Humanitarian aid to Gaza is urgently needed during this break in the fighting,” the editorial urged, pointing out that Israel killed 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza and injured 110,000, and displaced 90 percent of the Gaza population.
Asahi newspaper referred to “a critical shortage of all kinds of essential supplies needed to save lives. With the arrival of winter, temperatures have dropped into single digits, exacerbating a dire public health crisis. Palestinian Newborns are tragically dying from hypothermia.”
“We commend Israel and Hamas for reaching a ceasefire agreement to stop fighting in Gaza, although it is hard not to lament that the deal has come too late, considering the tragic loss of life over the past 15 months.”
The Asahi accused incoming US President Donald Trump of “noticeable bias” toward Israel and warned that he “must recognize that peace and reconstruction in Gaza are essential for stability across the Middle East.”
In summary, the paper said, “The crucial next step is to address the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and make consistent strides toward achieving a lasting peace treaty.”