Gangs Loot UN Aid in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict

As Gaza faces deepening unrest, gangs have increasingly targeted United Nations aid convoys, looting hundreds of trucks carrying essential supplies for the civilian population. A report by The New York Times on Monday detailed the harrowing experience of Hazem Isleem, a Palestinian truck driver, who was ambushed by armed looters while transporting food aid into Gaza. Isleem described the terrifying ordeal, where he was held at gunpoint for hours, unable to complete the delivery of aid to those in desperate need.

“It was terrifying,” Isleem recounted. “But the worst part was we weren’t able to deliver the food to the people.”

The rise in looting incidents has caused significant disruption to humanitarian efforts in Gaza. With Hamas dismantled in much of the region, armed gangs have filled the power vacuum, leading many aid organizations to suspend operations. Earlier this month, UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) announced that it would no longer deliver supplies through the Kerem Shalom crossing due to the escalating violence and disorder in the area.

In Gaza, basic commodities such as flour have skyrocketed in price. A 55-pound sack of flour now costs up to $220, further exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation. Additionally, several UN-backed bakeries in southern and central Gaza have been forced to close due to the ongoing chaos.

The growing violence in Gaza is compounded by the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas, which has further destabilized the region. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recently carried out an airstrike that killed the head of Hamas' Security Directorate, Tharwat Muhammad Ahmed Albec, who was responsible for providing intelligence and securing the safety of senior Hamas figures.

The humanitarian situation remains critical, with armed groups capitalizing on the disorder, leading to a dramatic decline in the ability of international organizations to provide life-saving aid.