A UN aid convoy of 97 trucks was looted at the Karem Abu Salem crossing, near Israeli military installations, worsening an already bleak humanitarian situation in Gaza. Dozens of armed men hijacked the convoy on Saturday night, stealing cargo and injuring several aid workers. The UN Relief and Works Agency confirmed the attack against a shipment of 109 trucks from various UN agencies meant to assist 2.2 million people trapped in Gaza.

Looting amid dire crisis: Gaza

The attackers – whose identities remain unclear – forced the drivers to unload goods at gunpoint, breaking vehicles, leaving the area with scarce food supplies. Although the UN agency did not blame anybody, it said that the Israeli authorities must ensure adequate aid delivery. Al-Aqsa TV quoted Hamas as saying that more than 20 suspects involved in the looting were killed by security forces. Hamas warned that looters would face harsh punishment.

That raid made the already dire food crisis in Gaza even worse. As basic provisions slowly vanish and the prices shoot upwards, families struggle to get staples like flour and vegetables. Now exceedingly rare, shipments of aid have become indispensable for survival. Still, they don’t feel safe.

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Israeli Army’s Inaction Raises Questions

The looting happened around the thoroughly watched Karem Abu Salem crossing, raising questions about how or if the Israeli military responded to it. Given the area was under heavy surveillance, it remains a mystery as to how armed groups were apparently able to intercept the convoy without any problems whatsoever. An internal UN memo suggested some gangs may have had passive or active support from the Israeli army. Similar raids at the same crossing have been reported several times, in which aid convoys are intercepted, goods stolen, and drivers threatened. This inaction has led to much confusion and criticism, as the crossing falls under the control of Israeli forces. Suspicions have been further compounded by the memory of past incidents, not least reports that Israeli police failed to protect aid convoys from far-right protesters back in May.

Escalating Humanitarian Needs Amid Conflict

While the war between Israel and Hamas rages on, the humanitarian need of Gaza is now more desperate than ever. With famine looming, and civilian casualties mounting, there are growing pressures from the international community against both parties so that basic aid is delivered. However, the ongoing blockade and political challenges threaten to prolong the suffering of Gaza’s population.