Escalating violence and criminal activity near Gaza’s main aid crossing have forced the UN to suspend humanitarian deliveries, further endangering over two million residents.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the largest humanitarian organization supporting Palestinians, has announced the suspension of aid deliveries through Gaza’s primary crossing at Kerem Shalom. The decision follows a surge in violent attacks on aid convoys, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in the region.
Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s commissioner-general, cited repeated looting by armed gangs near the Kerem Shalom crossing as the primary reason for halting aid. In a statement, Lazzarini described the situation as a “breakdown of law and order,” calling on Israel to fulfill its responsibility to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and supplies.
A Dangerous Route
The Kerem Shalom crossing is a critical lifeline for over two million people in Gaza, who are on the brink of famine according to the UN. However, aid workers report increasing threats from criminal groups targeting convoys.
On November 16, a large convoy carrying food was ambushed by masked gunmen, who held drivers at gunpoint and stole 97 of the 109 trucks. Just days later, a local criminal family blocked access roads with iron barriers and fired at trucks attempting to reach distribution points.
“These incidents make it clear that the road from the crossing has not been safe for months,” Lazzarini said. The latest theft of five trucks on Saturday underscores the persistent danger aid workers face.
Strikes and Accusations
The suspension of aid deliveries comes amid growing tensions in the region. On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike killed five people, including three staff members of World Central Kitchen (WCK), a food aid charity. Israel claimed the strike targeted a WCK employee allegedly involved in the October 7 attacks.
Lazzarini condemned attacks on humanitarian workers, emphasizing that the delivery of aid “must never turn into an ordeal.” He urged Israel to ensure safe passage for supplies and to avoid targeting aid operations.
Calls for Action
Israel has accused Hamas of hijacking and misusing aid deliveries to maintain control in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that Israel allows sufficient food and supplies to enter Gaza, but claimed Hamas diverts aid and inflates food prices to exploit residents.
The Israeli government has opened additional crossings into central and northern Gaza under international pressure, but Kerem Shalom remains the primary route for aid.
Despite these measures, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. A recent UN review warned that Gaza faces an imminent risk of famine, with aid shipments at their lowest levels since the conflict escalated in October 2023. The report called for immediate action from all parties involved in the conflict to prevent further catastrophe.
As the situation worsens, the suspension of UN aid through Kerem Shalom leaves millions in Gaza increasingly vulnerable, underscoring the urgent need for international cooperation and security guarantees to resume humanitarian efforts.
(Associated Medias) – Tutti i diritti sono riservati