Looting Forces UN to Cease Aid Deliveries in War-Torn Gaza

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees Halts Aid Amid Rising Security Risks

In a distressing turn of events, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has suspended aid deliveries through Gaza’s primary cargo crossing, Kerem Shalom, due to escalating threats from armed groups looting humanitarian convoys. This decision makes worse the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, displaced by ongoing conflict, depend on international aid for survival.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation. He attributed the breakdown of law and order to Israeli policies, highlighting “political decisions to restrict the amounts of aid,” unsafe routes, and the targeting of local police forces that previously maintained public security.

He emphasized that only 65 trucks have been entering Gaza daily over the past month, compared to the pre-war average of 500. Lazzarini called on Israel to ensure the safe flow of aid into Gaza and refrain from attacks on humanitarian personnel.

Critical Aid Routes Under Siege

The Kerem Shalom crossing has been a critical lifeline for Gaza, especially since the closure of the Rafah crossing with Egypt in May. In November, nearly two-thirds of the aid entering Gaza passed through Kerem Shalom. However, the route has become perilous; in mid-November, armed individuals ambushed a convoy of 109 trucks and stole 97 of them. On December 1st, five additional food trucks were looted.

Scott Anderson, UNRWA’s Director of Affairs in Gaza, emphasized the severity of the situation:

“We’ve kind of reached a point where it makes no sense to continue to try to move aid if it’s just gonna be looted.”

He noted that despite assurances of safety, recent attempts to deliver aid resulted in all five trucks being seized.

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) also expressed concerns over the unacceptable security conditions and is reevaluating its operations at the crossing.

The Israeli military, responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid to Gaza, stated that it would continue collaborating with the international community to facilitate aid through Kerem Shalom and other crossings. They noted that UNRWA coordinated less than 10% of the aid that entered Gaza in November. Israel has accused the UNRWA of being infiltrated by Hamas and has passed legislation to sever ties with the agency. Because of this, they have imposed conditions on food deliveries, such as requiring the World Food Programme to control certain shipments instead of the UNRWA.

The suspension of aid deliveries comes as Gaza braces for a cold, rainy winter. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are living in squalid tent camps, heavily reliant on international aid. Experts warn of impending famine in the north, which has been largely isolated since early October.

The humanitarian crisis is further compounded by ongoing violence. Israeli airstrikes recently killed at least six people, including two children, in the Muwasi area—a sprawling coastal camp housing displaced individuals. According to The Associated Press, the Israeli military stated it was not aware of strikes at that location, maintaining that it targets militants and strives to avoid civilian casualties.

In a related development, former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon accused the current government of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza. He criticized the far-right government’s approach, stating they are determined to “occupy, annex and ethnically cleanse.” Yaalon added, “War crimes are being committed here.” His comments have sparked significant controversy within Israel, with Netanyahhu’s Likud party and other government officials strongly condemning his statements.

The Israeli government refuted  Yaalon’s allegations, asserting that such statements serve as a “prize for the International Criminal Court and the camp of Israel haters.”

Calls for Action as Crisis Deepens

Efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, with several key players deeply involved in the process. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have taken the lead in mediating negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and facilitating the release of hostages still held by Hamas. These efforts have become increasingly urgent as the conflict persists, placing immense strain on both sides and the surrounding region.

One of the central proposals under discussion is a multi-phase ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal. The Biden administration has been actively advocating for its implementation, hoping to pause the violence and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This builds on Qatar’s earlier success in brokering a seven-day truce in late 2023, which resulted in the release of dozens of hostages. However, Qatar suspended its mediation efforts in November 2023, citing frustration with both parties’ unwillingness to negotiate in good faith.

The international community has also voiced its stance. The United Nations Security Council and other global entities have called for pauses in the conflict and the unconditional release of all hostages. President Biden has personally engaged in the process, pressing Egypt and Qatar to use their influence over Hamas to move the negotiations forward. Despite these concerted efforts, significant challenges persist.

Israel remains steadfast in its demand to retain security control over Gaza, even in the aftermath of a ceasefire. Additionally, disagreements about the region’s governance post-conflict have created further obstacles. Both sides are proceeding cautiously, wary of making concessions that could weaken their positions. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, adding urgency to the need for a resolution.

The road to peace is fraught with complexities, but the ongoing negotiations underscore the critical importance of finding a path forward for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Summing Up

The suspension of aid deliveries by UNRWA underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to address both the security challenges and the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s civilian population. Without immediate and coordinated action, the region faces a deepening crisis with catastrophic implications for its residents.