The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has suspended aid deliveries through Gaza’s main cargo crossing, Kerem Shalom, after reports of armed looting. The agency has blamed Israeli policies for the collapse of law and order in the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis amidst ongoing conflict.
UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, disclosed that nearly 100 aid trucks were looted mid-November on the dangerous route to Kerem Shalom. “Routes have become perilous due to armed gangs,” he stated, emphasizing that the suspension was inevitable under the current conditions.
The decision comes as Gaza grapples with dire humanitarian needs. With winter approaching, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians remain in overcrowded camps, heavily dependent on international aid. Experts warn of looming famine in northern Gaza, an area nearly isolated since October by Israeli military actions.
Accusations and Criticism
Lazzarini accused Israel of undermining aid efforts by imposing severe restrictions, targeting Hamas-run security forces, and creating unsafe conditions for humanitarian operations. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he criticized Israel’s actions as contributing to the breakdown of public order. UNRWA’s Gaza director, Scott Anderson, noted that despite assurances of safety, aid continues to be looted, rendering delivery efforts futile.
Meanwhile, a former Israeli defense minister and critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the government of engaging in ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza. Military operations in the region have displaced countless civilians, intensifying global criticism of Israel’s handling of the conflict.
Aid Challenges and Reactions
The Kerem Shalom crossing, critical for aid deliveries, became the primary entry point for cargo after the closure of the Rafah crossing with Egypt in May. Israeli military data confirms that most aid shipments in recent months have passed through Kerem Shalom. However, UNRWA has coordinated less than 10% of November’s aid, highlighting growing challenges.
UNICEF spokesperson Ammar Ammar described the security situation as “unacceptable,” while the Israeli military reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating aid deliveries through Kerem Shalom and other crossings. However, the military accused UNRWA of harboring Hamas infiltration, allegations that the agency has repeatedly denied.
Broader Implications
UNRWA’s suspension of operations is expected to deepen the crisis in Gaza, where millions already face shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The suspension further highlights the precarious balance between delivering aid and ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers amidst escalating conflict.
As the international community continues to push for a resolution, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains one of the most pressing global challenges.