UN Warns of Escalating Food Insecurity in Gaza After Convoy Looting

 Of the 109 trucks, 97 were completely stripped of their goods, and drivers were forced at gunpoint to unload aid.

Image is for illustrative purposes only.

A joint convoy of 109 trucks carrying vital food supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip was violently looted on November 16, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Of the 109 trucks, 97 were completely stripped of their goods, and drivers were forced at gunpoint to unload aid.

The looting has left millions without essential food supplies, as Gaza continues to face one of its most severe food shortages in years.

The convoy, organized by the United Nations and intended to provide life-saving aid to the population, was enroute to critical areas in Gaza when the attack occurred. While the trucks were supposed to deliver food and medical supplies, including flour, many of the trucks were emptied and the supplies taken. This violent attack highlights the increasingly precarious situation in Gaza, where access to humanitarian aid is becoming increasingly difficult.

According to UN officials, the looting comes at a time of escalating need. There are currently severe shortages of flour, with all eight UN-supported bakeries in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis operating at greatly diminished capacity.

                                               

Image is for illustrative purposes only.

Some of the bakeries have been forced to shut down entirely, leaving thousands without access to bread, a staple food for the region’s population. With the ongoing blockades and the disruption of aid, the situation has reached a critical point.

"Without immediate intervention, we face a catastrophic escalation in food insecurity," warned UN spokesperson Samir Azzam. "The people of Gaza rely heavily on humanitarian aid to survive, and without it, over 2 million lives are at risk. The consequences of this looting will be felt across the population, particularly among the most vulnerable." International law mandates that occupying powers ensure the safety and well-being of civilians under their control, including the facilitation of humanitarian aid. However, Israel, which controls Gaza’s borders and airspace, continues to face mounting criticism for its failure to ensure the safe delivery of aid and to meet the basic needs of the population. Human rights organizations have condemned the violence against aid convoys and the ongoing blockade of Gaza, arguing that the actions of Israeli authorities have contributed to the worsening humanitarian crisis. "Israel has a clear legal obligation under international law to allow unhindered access for aid workers and ensure that food, water, and medical supplies are delivered to those in need," said Amal Nasser, a representative from Human Rights Watch.

As the humanitarian crisis worsens, there are increasing calls for immediate action from the international community to ensure the delivery of aid to Gaza and to hold those responsible accountable for the ongoing violations of international law.

Source: @UNRWA