Over the weekend, armed gangs hijacked and looted nearly 100 trucks carrying vital humanitarian aid supplies for Gaza’s war-torn population, in what is being called the largest such attack since the conflict began 13 months ago. The convoy, carrying thousands of tonnes of food from UN agencies like UNRWA and the World Food Programme (WFP), was ambushed shortly after entering Gaza on Saturday, according to UN officials and local sources.
Ninety-eight out of 109 trucks were ransacked, with some drivers injured in the attack, said Louise Wateridge, senior emergency officer for UNRWA. “This underscores the severity of access challenges in delivering aid to Gaza. Without immediate intervention, worsening food shortages will jeopardize the lives of over 2 million people,” Wateridge stated.
Local residents reportedly clashed with the armed looters, managing to recover some of the stolen supplies, which were later returned to the WFP. However, the disruption has already had dire consequences, with bakeries in central Gaza halting bread production for nearly 1 million residents due to supply shortages.
Escalating Disorder in Gaza
As Gaza’s governance collapses under the weight of war, criminal gangs, powerful families, and armed militias have filled the void, exacerbating an already desperate situation. Israeli military offensives have dismantled Hamas’s control in much of the region, but no replacement authority has emerged.
The systematic targeting of Gaza’s police force, considered part of Hamas by Israel, and the early release of prisoners by militant groups have fueled widespread anarchy. Organized crime groups are increasingly targeting aid supplies for profit, rather than for survival.
“This isn’t about feeding families. It’s well-organized, armed gangs stealing supplies paid for by international donors,” a senior aid official said.
Worsening Humanitarian Conditions
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical point. Over 80% of the 2.3 million residents have been displaced, with two-thirds of buildings damaged or destroyed. UN officials describe conditions as “apocalyptic.” Aid agencies face increasing challenges, with key routes becoming impassable due to security threats.
Saturday’s convoy was directed to use an unfamiliar route from the Kerem Shalom border crossing at short notice, reportedly at the insistence of Israeli authorities. Community leaders have accused Israel of ignoring warnings about armed groups operating along aid corridors, which they say have repeatedly jeopardized aid deliveries.
The chaos has amplified calls for international intervention. The Internally Displaced Civilians Association (IDCA) in Deir al-Balah warned that without immediate action, millions in Gaza would face starvation.
Broader Implications
Israel’s military campaign, initially launched in response to Hamas-led attacks last year, has destabilized Gaza further, leaving aid agencies and civilians grappling with unprecedented challenges. While Israel blames aid organizations for mismanaging resources, the UN and other relief groups point to the deteriorating security landscape as a major obstacle to effective aid distribution.
With conditions worsening daily, the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver life-saving supplies remains uncertain, leaving Gaza’s population increasingly vulnerable in the face of unrelenting conflict and disorder.