The United Nations (UN) agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has halted aid shipments through the main cargo crossing into the Gaza Strip due to a crisis of armed gangs looting convoys. The decision blames Israeli policies for the breakdown in law and order.
Aid deliveries were critical as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are reliant on international assistance amid a severe humanitarian crisis. Experts warned of famine in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces have almost completely isolated the area since early October.
UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, described the route leading to the Kerem Shalom crossing as too dangerous on the Gaza side. Armed men looted nearly 100 trucks on the route in mid-November. Lazzarini largely blamed Israel for the breakdown of humanitarian operations in Gaza, citing “political decisions to restrict aid,” lack of safety, and targeting of the Hamas-run police force.
The Israeli military denies these allegations, stating that UNRWA coordinated less than 10% of aid deliveries last month. The military body responsible for humanitarian aid to Gaza says it will continue to work with international organizations to increase aid.
The halt in aid shipments comes as Israel continues its military operation in the Gaza Strip, killing at least six people, including two children. Former defense minister Moshe Yaalon accused Netanyahu’s government of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza, describing the current far-right administration as determined to “occupy, annex, and ethnically cleanse.”
Aid to Gaza has been severely impacted by the conflict, with 90% of the population displaced and many areas destroyed. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to secure a ceasefire, with negotiations taking place behind the scenes.
UNRWA’s decision on aid delivery highlights the escalating crisis in Gaza as winter sets in, exacerbating humanitarian needs.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-lebanon-hezbollah-iran-news-12-01-2024-6118019c9bc11204026b686206be8f6a