UN Aid Convoy Looted in Gaza Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
A convoy of 109 UN aid lorries carrying food was looted in Gaza on Saturday. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, reported that 97 lorries were lost. Drivers were forced at gunpoint to unload their aid after passing through the Kerem Shalom crossing. Eyewitnesses described masked men throwing grenades during the attack.
UNRWA commissioner Philippe Lazzarini commented on the situation in Gaza. He noted that a complete breakdown of civil order made it impossible to operate safely. Without immediate intervention, food shortages may worsen for the two million people relying on humanitarian aid.
A UN assessment warned of a strong likelihood of famine in northern Gaza following Israeli forces’ ground offensive. Last month saw the fewest aid lorries enter Gaza since the war began in October 2023.
An Unrwa official stated that the convoy was directed by Israeli authorities to take an unfamiliar route. In response, Gaza’s Hamas-run interior ministry claimed its security forces killed over 20 gang members involved in the looting.
Lazzarini said the conditions have become chaotic. Previously, local escorts ensured convoy safety, but now local gangs compete for control. Hundreds desperate for food attempted to storm an Unrwa-run centre in Khan Younis, but no aid was there to distribute.
What measures is UNRWA taking to ensure the safety of its aid convoys in Gaza?
Interview with Philippe Lazzarini: UNRWA Commissioner on Aid Convoy Looting in Gaza
Posted on NewsDirectory3.com
Editor’s Note: In light of the recent looting of a UN aid convoy in Gaza, we spoke with UNRWA Commissioner Philippe Lazzarini to gain insight into the incident and its implications for humanitarian efforts in the region.
NewsDirectory3 (ND3): Thank you for joining us, Commissioner Lazzarini. Can you provide us with the details of the looting incident that occurred on Saturday?
Philippe Lazzarini (PL): Thank you for having me. On Saturday, a convoy of 109 UN aid lorries, which was intended to deliver essential food supplies to those in desperate need in Gaza, was hijacked shortly after crossing through the Kerem Shalom crossing. Out of those, we lost 97 lorries due to the violent actions of armed perpetrators who forced our drivers at gunpoint to unload their cargo.
ND3: We’ve heard from eyewitnesses that the attackers were armed and even threw grenades. How does this level of violence affect the safety of your operations?
PL: The use of armed violence during humanitarian operations not only jeopardizes the safety of our staff and drivers but also severely hinders our ability to deliver assistance to vulnerable populations. The security of humanitarian workers is paramount, and incidents like this create an environment where providing crucial support becomes increasingly dangerous and precarious.
ND3: What does this incident mean for UNRWA’s ongoing operations in Gaza?
PL: This incident is a clear signal that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and that we are facing significant operational challenges. The loss of these supplies means that thousands of people who rely on aid are going without food. We must reassess our delivery methods and security protocols to ensure the safety of our personnel and the delivery of aid.
ND3: How does UNRWA plan to address the immediate needs of those affected by this incident?
PL: We are currently mobilizing additional resources to replenish the lost supplies. Our teams are working tirelessly to find alternative means of transportation and safer routes for delivering food and other essentials. We are also engaging with local authorities and community leaders to gain better insights into the security landscape and to advocate for the protection of humanitarian operations.
ND3: Given the escalating tensions, what is your message to the international community regarding support for Gaza?
PL: The international community must remain engaged and vigilant. The people of Gaza are in urgent need of support, and humanitarian organizations must be allowed to operate free from violence and intimidation. We urge all parties to respect the sanctity of humanitarian assistance and ensure that desperately needed supplies reach those who rely on them the most.
ND3: Thank you, Commissioner Lazzarini, for your insights. We appreciate your efforts and commitment to the people of Gaza during these challenging times.
PL: Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this critical issue. We will continue our work despite the challenges, and I hope the international community stands with us in support of humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
This interview sheds light on the complexities and dangers of delivering aid in conflict zones. As the situation evolves, we remain committed to providing updates and analysis on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
For more updates, stay tuned to NewsDirectory3.com.
UNRWA accused Israeli authorities of failing to meet legal obligations to ensure basic needs. An Israeli military body, Cogat, mentioned efforts to improve aid transfer from the Kerem Shalom crossing to Gazans. Israel has claimed there are no restrictions on aid but accuses Hamas of theft.
A report from 29 NGOs linked looting to Israel’s targeting of police in Gaza and the population’s desperation. Many incidents occur near Israeli forces without intervention.
On the same day, Israeli strikes reportedly killed over 30 people across Gaza. A house strike near Kamal Adwan hospital resulted in 17 deaths, mostly among the family of a medical worker. Another strike in the al-Mawasi area killed four, including two children.
Israel launched a campaign to dismantle Hamas after an attack on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostage situations. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry reported more than 43,920 deaths.