The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) announced on Sunday that it has stopped aid deliveries through the Kerem Shalom cargo crossing into Gaza due to escalating security concerns. The decision comes as armed gangs have looted convoys, with nearly 100 trucks attacked in mid-November, leaving the agency unable to safely distribute humanitarian aid.
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, attributed the deteriorating security situation to Israeli policies, citing restrictions on aid, unsafe routes, and the targeting of Hamas-run police forces, which previously ensured public security. UNRWA’s Gaza director, Scott Anderson, stated, “We’ve reached a point where it makes no sense to continue to try to move aid if it’s just going to be looted.”
The Kerem Shalom crossing, the primary channel for cargo shipments between Israel and Gaza, has been vital for aid delivery since the closure of the Rafah crossing with Egypt in May. According to Israeli data, nearly two-thirds of the aid entering Gaza last month passed through Kerem Shalom. However, the Israeli military body responsible for humanitarian operations claimed that UNRWA oversaw less than 10% of the aid entering Gaza in November.
UNICEF also expressed concerns over the “unacceptable” security situation and is reassessing its operations in the region.
The halt in aid deliveries threatens to worsen Gaza’s dire humanitarian crisis as winter sets in. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians live in makeshift tent camps, relying on international aid amid warnings of famine, particularly in the northern regions. Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported over 44,429 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began, more than half of whom are women and children.
Israeli airstrikes continue to target Gaza, with medical officials reporting six fatalities, including two children, in an overnight attack on the Muwasi area. The Israeli military stated it was unaware of these strikes, reiterating that it aims to avoid civilian casualties. However, its daily operations have frequently resulted in significant civilian harm.
Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, a critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government, accused the administration of conducting “ethnic cleansing” in northern Gaza. He alleged that military actions have effectively “cleaned the territory of Arabs.” His remarks drew condemnation from Netanyahu’s Likud party, which labeled them “false statements” aiding Israel’s detractors.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and other key figures, accusing them of crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice is investigating allegations of genocide against Israel. The Israeli government has rejected these accusations, asserting that the courts are biased.
Efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire remain stalled as Israel refuses Hamas’ demand for a complete withdrawal from the territory. President Isaac Herzog hinted at ongoing negotiations, saying, “There are talks behind the scenes, and it can be done.” The Biden administration has also expressed intent to push for a renewed ceasefire.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel, has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and displaced 90% of its population. As international calls for a resolution intensify, the humanitarian and political crises in Gaza remain far from resolved.