Israel’s blockade of Gaza has led to a surge in looting as desperation spikes among locals. Witnesses and aid groups report that armed groups have been targeting warehouses and shops, including those run by the United Nations and international aid organizations.
The blockade, which began after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ended the latest ceasefire with Hamas in March, has caused widespread suffering among Gaza’s 2 million people. Aid groups say that civilians are facing starvation, and there is concern that desperation could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The looting has escalated over the past few days, with dozens of armed men storming into warehouses and shops, pushing past police and local security guards. The Israeli military has enforced a curfew in some areas, but it appears to have had little impact on reducing the looting.
According to aid workers, the situation is dire, with thousands of Palestinians breaching UN offices and taking medications. A senior emergency officer at UNRWA, Louise Wateridge, described the looting as “the direct result of unbearable and prolonged deprivation.”
The Israeli military has said that its blockade and military campaign are intended to pressure Hamas to release hostages and disarm the Palestinian militant group. However, critics argue that these measures are having devastating consequences for civilians.
The international community is calling on Israel to lift its blockade and allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. The top UN court recently held a hearing on this issue, with experts arguing that starving civilians as a military tactic is a war crime.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, aid workers are warning of a growing crisis. Desperate families are pushing and shoving at food distribution sites, struggling to access basic necessities like bread and soup. The Israeli strikes have killed dozens of people, including children, in recent days, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.
The looting surge in Gaza is a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the territory. With the blockade and airstrikes continuing, aid workers are urging Israel to take immediate action to alleviate suffering and protect civilians.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-03-05-2025-ed66bddfcfbb543677b38dcdde2e18b3