The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbated by significant aid distribution challenges, with claims from Israel that Hamas is obstructing humanitarian shipments. Reports indicate that a substantial number of trucks are stalled at the border, while humanitarian organizations highlight systematic delays and lack of cooperation from Israeli authorities. Looting by armed groups further complicates the situation, leading to the suspension of aid deliveries by UNRWA due to safety concerns.
Understanding the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, as highlighted by numerous alerts from non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The question of accountability arises: who is truly responsible for the ongoing suffering? Israel asserts through social media channels that “thousands of tons of aid from Israel have been stalled for months, awaiting distribution” in Gaza, alleging that “Hamas is seizing control of numerous humanitarian shipments.” This claim is frequently reiterated by Israeli officials.
The Reality Behind the Aid Distribution Claims
Recent coverage from Israeli television channel N12 reveals troubling statistics. On December 19, it was reported that “885 trucks have been sitting idle for months at the Kerem Shalom terminal on the Palestinian side, with some set to spoil due to expiration.” According to N12, while “over 200 trucks enter Gaza daily,” they contend that “Hamas operatives are intercepting these supplies to maintain their operations.” Cogat, the Israeli agency overseeing civil affairs in the occupied territories, supports the claim that 800 trucks are waiting at the Gaza border.
In a press event on November 28, Cogat showcased the aid stockpiled at Kerem Shalom, and an AFP journalist documented the visit. Previously, Israel claimed that “700 trucks” were awaiting distribution at the same location, without clarifying their source. However, the Red Cross emphasized that the mere presence of trucks or aid pallets at the border holds little significance for the people in Gaza if humanitarian organizations face obstacles in effectively distributing this aid. They noted that “the process does not end with the entry of a truck into Gaza.”
Humanitarian groups have pointed to Israel’s lack of cooperation as a primary hindrance. Oxfam reported on December 22 that “out of 34 food and water trucks authorized for entry into the northern Gaza governorate in the last two and a half months, only twelve managed to deliver aid to starving civilians due to intentional delays and systematic blockages by the Israeli military.” The NGO underscored a pattern of “systematic and deliberate obstruction to aid” reaching Gaza.
Moreover, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed that “since December 1, Israeli authorities have rejected 48 of 52 requests from the UN for humanitarian access coordination.” They also noted that all four approved movements faced significant challenges. The OCHA deputy secretary highlighted that “over 100 requests for access to northern Gaza have been denied since October 6,” warning of “a breakdown in public order and rampant looting of supplies by local gangs.”
Reports of looting by “local gangs” or “armed groups” not affiliated with Hamas are becoming increasingly common. The International Medical Corps, cited by OCHA on December 22, reported the theft of “22 trucks carrying medical and hygiene supplies from a convoy of 70” between Kerem Shalom and a UN warehouse in Khan Younis, as well as the loss of “111 of the 150 pallets intended for its two field hospitals.”
In light of these challenges, UNRWA announced on December 1 the suspension of its deliveries from the Kerem Shalom crossing, citing safety concerns on the route. They lamented that “on November 16, a large convoy of aid trucks was stolen by armed gangs” and expressed concern over the “continued siege,” “barriers placed by Israeli authorities,” and the “lack of safe delivery routes for humanitarian aid.”