The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached critical levels following the looting of nearly 100 UN aid trucks over the weekend. With soaring food prices and diminishing supplies, the region faces an escalating famine that threatens millions of displaced Palestinians.
Largest Aid Theft of the War
The weekend hijacking of 98 out of 109 aid trucks marks the largest single theft since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. Armed men violently intercepted the trucks near Gaza’s Kerem Shalom crossing, forcing them to unload essential supplies at gunpoint. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that the stolen aid included food and medicine intended for the 2.3 million residents of Gaza, most of whom have been displaced by the conflict.
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The looting has drastically affected aid distribution. UN-supported bakeries in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis have been forced to shut down or operate at diminished capacity due to critical shortages of flour. Prices of essential goods have skyrocketed, with a sack of flour now costing over 400 shekels (£80), compared to just 40 shekels (£8.40) before the war.
Hunger and Famine Conditions Worsen
The crisis is most acute in northern Gaza, where Israeli military operations have driven tens of thousands from their homes. Experts suggest famine conditions may already be present, particularly in areas hardest hit by the offensive. Crowds gather outside shuttered bakeries, with many leaving empty-handed after hours of waiting. “Even if goods are available, there is no money to buy them,” said Nora Muhanna, a displaced Gaza resident.
In central and southern Gaza, where most of the population has fled, stolen aid has appeared in local markets at exorbitant prices, adding to the population’s desperation.
Hamas Responds to Looting
Hamas, which governs Gaza, has launched a crackdown on looters through its newly formed “popular and revolutionary committees.” These forces, comprising Hamas fighters, allied groups, and local clans, have carried out operations against looters, killing 20 individuals in recent days. Community leaders have also organized efforts to retrieve stolen supplies, returning some to the UN World Food Programme.
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, attributed the looting to young Bedouins near Rafah, denying any organized involvement by Hamas. However, accusations persist that the militant group diverts aid for its own use.
Israel and UN Tensions
Israel denies deliberately restricting aid or turning a blind eye to organized crime, instead accusing Hamas of mismanagement and corruption. UN officials, however, argue that Israel has failed to meet its legal obligations to ensure safe delivery of humanitarian aid. The number of aid trucks entering Gaza has dropped significantly, with only 88 trucks arriving daily in November—far short of the 600 trucks needed to meet basic needs.
The UN has also criticized Israel for rerouting the convoy that was looted, claiming the alternative route increased vulnerability to theft.
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The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and displaced 90% of its population. More than 43,800 Palestinians, including women and children, have died since the war began in October 2023. Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have repeatedly failed, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.