Violent looting in Gaza amid humanitarian crisis

[MIDDLE EAST] In the war-torn Gaza Strip, a new crisis is unfolding as criminal gangs exploit the chaos of Israeli bombardment to loot desperately needed humanitarian aid. Aid officials recount harrowing tales of violent attacks on convoys, exposing the breakdown of civil order and the growing difficulties in delivering assistance to a population on the brink of famine.

On a fateful Saturday night in November 2024, a UN aid convoy of 109 trucks fell victim to a brazen attack near the Karem Abu Salem crossing. Armed individuals ambushed the convoy, forcing drivers at gunpoint to unload their precious cargo of food and supplies. This incident, described as the worst of its kind since the start of the war, resulted in the loss of 97 trucks' worth of aid, leaving only 11 vehicles to reach their intended destination.

The attack highlights the severity of the situation in Gaza, where the collapse of civil order has created a breeding ground for criminal activity. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, reported that several aid workers were injured during the assault, and vehicles were damaged.

The Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

As looting incidents surge, the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Palestinians face an imminent famine in southern Gaza, while conditions in the northern region remain catastrophic1. Basic food items such as flour and vegetables have become nearly impossible to obtain, and when available, are often priced beyond the reach of most residents.

"The rule of law has collapsed around the Kerem Shalom crossing, the primary entry point for goods, and criminal gangs are seizing the opportunity," explains Sam Rose, deputy director of UNRWA. The breakdown of civil infrastructure, including police forces and aid management officials, has created a power vacuum that organized crime groups are all too eager to fill.

The Role of Israeli Military Presence

Questions arise about the role and priorities of the Israeli army, which effectively controls most of Gaza. Eyewitnesses report that armed individuals operate openly within sight of Israeli military positions. This has led to speculation about the passive or active support these gangs might be receiving from Israeli forces.

A senior official from an organization operating in Gaza told the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, "I saw one Israeli soldier, and a Palestinian armed with a Kalashnikov just 100 meters from it. The armed men assaulted the drivers and seized all the food if they weren't paid 'protection money.'"

Hamas's Response and the Struggle for Control

In an attempt to reassert control and combat the looting crisis, Hamas has taken drastic measures. The Gazan Interior Ministry announced on Hamas-controlled Al Aqsa television that security forces, in cooperation with tribal committees, had eliminated over 20 individuals involved in looting humanitarian aid. This action marks the beginning of a broader campaign to combat such criminal activities.

However, doubts remain about the effectiveness of these efforts. A former head of Hamas police investigations revealed to the BBC, "Hamas's security control has fallen below 20%," while outlining plans to restore it to 60% within a month.

The Impact on Aid Distribution

The surge in looting has severely hampered aid distribution efforts in Gaza. Georgios Petropoulos of the UN's humanitarian office (OCHA) in Gaza describes the situation as "tactical, organized, criminal looting," resulting in "extreme violence" manifesting in various directions.

Aid workers warn that no substantial increase in aid flows will be possible until a new and functional police force is established – a step Israeli authorities have so far opposed. The breakdown of law and order has made it increasingly difficult for humanitarian organizations to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.

The Black Market and Escalating Prices

As criminal gangs intercept aid convoys, a thriving black market has emerged in Gaza. Stolen items, ranging from flour to winter shelters intended for international aid distribution, are now available only at exorbitant prices. This has further exacerbated the suffering of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, many of whom have been displaced to central and southern areas.

The situation is particularly dire given the onset of the rainy winter season, which adds urgency to addressing the deteriorating conditions and meeting the escalating needs of the population.

International Response and Proposed Solutions

The international community is grappling with how to address this complex crisis. Recent reports suggest that Israel is exploring the possibility of utilizing a private, armed American security contractor to deliver aid to Gaza. However, this proposal has been met with skepticism from aid workers who fear it could lead to more violence.

Georgios Petropoulos from OCHA questioned, "Which donor countries would be willing to support this method of distribution? How safe will it really be? I fear it could become a catalyst for more bloodshed and violence."

The Way Forward

As the crisis in Gaza deepens, it is clear that a multifaceted approach is needed to address the looting problem and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. This may involve:

• Strengthening security measures around aid convoys
• Establishing a functional and neutral police force to maintain order
• Increasing international pressure on all parties to allow unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance
• Addressing the root causes of the conflict to create a more stable environment for aid distribution

The violent looting of aid convoys in Gaza represents a new low in an already devastating humanitarian crisis. As criminal gangs thrive amid the chaos of Israeli bombardment, the international community must act swiftly and decisively to protect aid workers and ensure that vital supplies reach those in desperate need. Only through concerted efforts to restore order and address the underlying causes of the conflict can there be hope for the people of Gaza.