The United Nations' relief efforts in Gaza face a major setback as security threats lead to the suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries through the Kerem Shalom crossing, a vital conduit for supplies to millions in need.
UN Halts Aid Deliveries Through Key Gaza Crossing Amid Security Issues
UN Halts Aid Deliveries Through Key Gaza Crossing Amid Security Issues
The UN halts aid deliveries to Gaza after armed gangs loot supply convoys, citing safety concerns.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has announced a pause in its aid operations through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza, attributing the decision to escalating security fears amid increasing attacks by armed gangs on relief convoys. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, emphasized the danger faced by aid workers after recent incidents where supplies were looted. He urged Israel to restore law and order to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to the beleaguered population, now facing severe food shortages.
Kerem Shalom has been the principal route for delivering essential aid to over two million people in Gaza, but recent weeks have seen a rise in violent thefts. On November 16, a convoy meant to deliver food was held at gunpoint, resulting in the theft of 97 out of 109 lorries. Reports indicate that organized criminals, including notorious gangs, have been operating with impunity, often in sight of Israeli forces stationed at the border.
Lazzarini highlighted that the situation has deteriorated, noting that conditions along the main road have been unsafe for months and rejecting any implication that aid workers should be at risk. The stark reality was epitomized by the deaths of three employees from World Central Kitchen in an Israeli airstrike; Israel contends the target was a WCK worker involved in the recent deadly attacks on October 7.
The UN's appeal for protection underscores a “breakdown of law and order” as humanitarian efforts struggle under the strain of ongoing violence. Lazzarini urged Israel to guarantee the safety of aid workers, emphasizing the necessity for aid to flow freely and safely into Gaza.
Despite Israel's assertions that it is facilitating aid flow—allowing the equivalent of over 3,000 calories per person daily—critics argue that Hamas is exploiting the situation, hoarding supplies for its own ends. Meanwhile, Israeli officials insist additional crossings into Gaza will remain open to augment relief efforts, although they do acknowledge that Kerem Shalom remains the key entry point.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been labeled as "extremely grave" by a review from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, backtracking the lowest shipment levels observed since the conflict escalated in October. The alarming report warns of a potential famine throughout the region, calling for urgent, concerted action from all parties involved in the conflict to mitigate the crisis enveloping the enclave.
Kerem Shalom has been the principal route for delivering essential aid to over two million people in Gaza, but recent weeks have seen a rise in violent thefts. On November 16, a convoy meant to deliver food was held at gunpoint, resulting in the theft of 97 out of 109 lorries. Reports indicate that organized criminals, including notorious gangs, have been operating with impunity, often in sight of Israeli forces stationed at the border.
Lazzarini highlighted that the situation has deteriorated, noting that conditions along the main road have been unsafe for months and rejecting any implication that aid workers should be at risk. The stark reality was epitomized by the deaths of three employees from World Central Kitchen in an Israeli airstrike; Israel contends the target was a WCK worker involved in the recent deadly attacks on October 7.
The UN's appeal for protection underscores a “breakdown of law and order” as humanitarian efforts struggle under the strain of ongoing violence. Lazzarini urged Israel to guarantee the safety of aid workers, emphasizing the necessity for aid to flow freely and safely into Gaza.
Despite Israel's assertions that it is facilitating aid flow—allowing the equivalent of over 3,000 calories per person daily—critics argue that Hamas is exploiting the situation, hoarding supplies for its own ends. Meanwhile, Israeli officials insist additional crossings into Gaza will remain open to augment relief efforts, although they do acknowledge that Kerem Shalom remains the key entry point.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been labeled as "extremely grave" by a review from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, backtracking the lowest shipment levels observed since the conflict escalated in October. The alarming report warns of a potential famine throughout the region, calling for urgent, concerted action from all parties involved in the conflict to mitigate the crisis enveloping the enclave.
