The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached an alarming threshold as escalating violence and lawlessness severely hinder aid operations. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) recently announced the suspension of deliveries through the Kerem Shalom crossing, citing rampant insecurity as the primary reason. With over two million people in Gaza teetering on the brink of famine, the situation underscores the complex interplay of armed conflict, lawlessness, and international politics in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
The Growing Insecurity at Kerem Shalom
Kerem Shalom, Gaza’s primary aid lifeline, has become a flashpoint for violent disruptions. Armed gangs have repeatedly attacked convoys carrying vital supplies. On November 16, masked gunmen seized 97 of 109 aid trucks at gunpoint, demonstrating the scale of lawlessness gripping the region. More recently, another five trucks were hijacked on their way to distribution points.
The attacks are symptomatic of a broader breakdown in governance and law enforcement within Gaza. Reports from aid workers and locals indicate that armed factions, including criminal gangs and politically affiliated groups, operate openly, sometimes in proximity to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s head, has called on Israel to uphold its responsibilities as the occupying power under international law, emphasizing that the safe flow of aid must be guaranteed. “The delivery of humanitarian aid must never be dangerous or turn into an ordeal,” Lazzarini stated, underscoring the peril faced by humanitarian workers in the region.
The Humanitarian Toll
The suspension of aid deliveries through Kerem Shalom exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation. A recent report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) revealed that aid shipments into Gaza have plummeted to their lowest levels since the outbreak of the current conflict in October 2023. The IPC warned of a “reasonable worst-case scenario” in which the entire Gaza Strip could face famine without immediate action.
This is not just a matter of logistical failure; it is a humanitarian emergency of staggering proportions:
- Food Scarcity: With the majority of Gaza’s population dependent on aid, the looting of convoys directly affects the availability of necessities.
- Medical Supplies: Hospitals, already struggling with limited resources, face shortages of life-saving medicines and equipment.
- Water and Sanitation: The disruption of aid has exacerbated the lack of clean water, raising the risk of waterborne diseases.
Israel’s Role and Responsibilities
Israel’s role in the unfolding crisis is deeply contested. As the authority controlling access to Gaza, Israel has faced criticism from international organizations for not doing enough to ensure the safety of aid deliveries. UNRWA’s Lazzarini has explicitly called on Israel to address the lawlessness surrounding the Kerem Shalom crossing and to prevent attacks on humanitarian workers.
Israeli officials, however, have pointed fingers at Hamas, accusing the group of hijacking aid supplies and selling them at inflated prices to maintain its grip on the strip. Speaking in September, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted his government was facilitating sufficient aid, claiming it allowed “more than 3,000 calories a day for every man, woman, and child” into Gaza.
Israel has also opened additional crossings to increase aid flow under international pressure. However, the Kerem Shalom crossing remains the most critical due to its capacity and strategic location. Aid organizations argue that piecemeal efforts are insufficient given the scale of the crisis.
The Role of Armed Factions in Gaza
Hamas and other armed groups bear significant responsibility for the insecurity undermining aid operations. According to reports from aid workers, armed gangs often operate with impunity in areas near the Kerem Shalom crossing, extorting, looting, and intimidating relief personnel. Some groups are affiliated with larger political factions, complicating efforts to establish accountability.
The looting of convoys is only one aspect of a broader governance failure within Gaza. Rival factions and criminal networks exploit the power vacuum, creating a chaotic environment where aid distribution is fraught with risk. For aid agencies, navigating these challenges often requires negotiating with local power brokers, further delaying the delivery of critical supplies.
Casualties Among Aid Workers
The security crisis has also claimed the lives of humanitarian workers, adding to the tragedy of the situation. On a single day in November, three employees of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli airstrike, alongside two others. While Israel claimed the strike targeted a WCK employee linked to attacks on October 7, aid organizations decried the incident as an unacceptable risk to those working to save lives.
Such incidents have raised alarms about the broader dangers facing humanitarian workers in conflict zones. Aid organizations, including UNRWA, have urged all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law and to refrain from targeting aid workers and infrastructure.
The International Response
The global community’s response to the Gaza crisis has been mixed, reflecting the deep divisions over the region’s politics. International organizations, including the United Nations and major NGOs, have called for an immediate cessation of violence and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid. However, these appeals often clash with the strategic and political interests of the parties involved.
Countries and organizations sympathetic to the Palestinian cause have pressed Israel to ensure the safe passage of aid and to ease restrictions on Gaza’s borders. At the same time, Israel’s allies, particularly the United States, emphasize the need to prevent aid from bolstering Hamas or other militant groups.
Amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation, several countries have renewed calls for a ceasefire. However, the prospect of such an agreement remains remote, given the entrenched positions of the conflicting parties.
A Crisis Without Resolution?
The security situation in Gaza underscores a grim reality: humanitarian aid cannot function effectively in a region where violence and lawlessness reign. The suspension of aid deliveries through Kerem Shalom is not just a logistical setback—it is a symptom of deeper systemic issues that demand urgent attention.
To alleviate the crisis, several key steps are necessary:
- Establishing Security Guarantees: All parties must prioritize the safety of aid convoys and workers, ensuring that supplies reach those in need without interference.
- Enhancing Oversight: Greater transparency and accountability in the distribution of aid could reduce the risks of theft and diversion.
- International Mediation: A concerted diplomatic effort is needed to address the underlying drivers of conflict and create conditions for sustained humanitarian access.
The suspension of UN aid deliveries through the Kerem Shalom crossing is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by humanitarian operations in conflict zones. For Gaza’s two million residents, already on the edge of survival, the stakes could not be higher. Addressing this crisis requires not only immediate action to secure aid routes but also a long-term commitment to resolving the structural causes of instability in the region.
As the world watches, the question remains: will the international community rise to the occasion, or will Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe deepen further? The answer will determine the fate of millions and the moral standing of a global order that claims to prioritize human dignity.