Tel-Aviv/Gaza - Supplies of food to southern Gaza are critically endangered due to extended Israeli military operations, exacerbating a public health crisis for displaced civilians. Concurrently, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on the Israeli group Tsav 9 for attacking humanitarian aid convoys, further complicating aid efforts in the region. These actions reflect ongoing challenges to delivering essential aid to Gaza amidst a prolonged and devastating conflict.

Supplies of food to southern Gaza are at severe risk following Israel's expansion of its military operations, creating a significant public health crisis for those displaced by the offensive, according to a senior United Nations official.

Carl Skau, deputy director of the U.N. World Food Programme, reported that while hunger has been most acute in northern Gaza, the situation is rapidly deteriorating in the south. The primary pipeline for aid, flowing from Egypt into southern Gaza, was largely cut off after Israel intensified its campaign in Rafah, a major refuge area, starting in early May.

Despite efforts to stockpile food in Rafah, supplies are running out, and access to replenishments is restricted. Israeli advances in Rafah forced many to move northwards to the coastal evacuation zone of Al-Mawasi. Skau described the crisis as a "protection catastrophe," with around one million people crammed into a small coastal space with poor sanitation, creating a potential public health disaster.

Aid distribution has been hindered by ongoing military operations, delayed Israeli authorizations, and increasing lawlessness within Gaza. While some food has reached northern Gaza, essential healthcare, water, and sanitation are urgently needed. Skau emphasized the need for Israel to permit more healthcare supplies into Gaza.

Israel insists it imposes no restrictions on humanitarian supplies for Gaza's civilians, blaming the U.N. for delivery delays. The conflict began on October 7, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and approximately 250 abductions. Israel's retaliatory actions have led to over 37,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction, according to Gaza health officials. Skau noted that Gazans are weary and desperate for the conflict to end.

In a related development, the United States imposed sanctions on Tsav 9, an Israeli group accused of attacking humanitarian aid convoys bound for Gaza's starving civilians. Tsav 9, linked to Israeli army reservists and Jewish settlers in the West Bank, has been accused of blocking, harassing, and damaging aid shipments.

Humanitarian aid has been vital for Palestinians during Israel's eight-month invasion, which has resulted in numerous deaths and widespread destruction. Right-wing elements in Israel's government have opposed U.S. President Joe Biden's efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The sanctions were imposed under an executive order on West Bank violence signed by Biden in February, which was previously used to impose financial restrictions on Jewish settlers and a Palestinian militant group. Tsav 9 was added to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions list.

On May 13, members of Tsav 9 looted and set fire to two aid trucks near Hebron. The group claimed to be preventing supplies from reaching Hamas, accusing the Israeli government of providing "gifts" to the Islamist group.

The sanctions freeze any assets Tsav 9 holds under U.S. jurisdiction and bar Americans from dealing with the group. Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), a U.S.-based human rights group, called for these sanctions, highlighting Tsav 9's fundraising activities through Israeli companies and non-profit organizations.

Palestinians and human rights groups have long accused the Israeli military and police of failing to intervene when settlers attack Palestinians in the West Bank. Israel has arrested four individuals involved in the May 13 attack, including a minor.

Aaron Forsberg, director of the State Department's office of sanctions policy and implementation, stated, "We will continue to use all tools at our disposal to promote accountability for those who perpetrate such heinous acts." He emphasized that these issues have been raised with Israeli authorities, who are expected to take appropriate action.