Humanitarian Aid Logistics; The Gaza Example
Chapter from the book:
Erdoğan,
U.
(ed.)
2024.
Logistics and Innovation.
Synopsis
Throughout history, humanity has faced various natural and man-made disasters that have significantly impacted societies, causing severe material and moral losses. With globalization, the frequency of these disasters has increased, challenging the coping capacities of communities. Post-disaster humanitarian aid plays a critical role in meeting basic needs. Delivering aid to the right place, at the right time, to the right people, using the right methods is the essence of humanitarian logistics. This concept is particularly crucial in regions like Gaza, where ongoing embargoes and conflicts exacerbate humanitarian crises.
The Gaza Strip, with a population of 2.3 million, is one of the most densely populated areas globally, where the majority live below the poverty line. The conflict between Israel and Palestine, which escalated on October 7, 2023, has deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region. Due to strict embargoes, essential humanitarian needs remain unmet, and aid distribution faces significant challenges.
This study highlights the importance of humanitarian logistics and focuses on the urgent needs in Gaza. It will propose solutions to deliver aid efficiently and examine the national and international support provided to the region. Additionally, strategies for ensuring the sustainability of humanitarian efforts in the short and long term will be discussed. Gaza’s situation serves as a critical example of the challenges humanitarian logistics encounter in conflict zones, emphasizing the need for effective planning and coordination to alleviate suffering and meet fundamental human needs.