ROME: Despite widespread hunger in northern Gaza, the UN’s food agency announced on Tuesday the suspension of aid deliveries after a convoy of trucks encountered gunfire and looting.
The World Food Programme (WFP) had resumed deliveries on Sunday following a three-week hiatus. However, the agency stated that the convoy faced “complete chaos and violence” due to the breakdown of civil order.
With Israel’s war against Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip entering its twentieth week, UN agencies have sounded alarms over the severe scarcity of food and safe water. WFP reported “unprecedented levels of desperation” among the populace.
Initially planning to send food trucks daily for a week, the convoy on Sunday had to repel attempts by people to board trucks and encountered gunfire upon entering Gaza City. The following day, chaos and violence persisted, with several trucks looted and a driver assaulted. The remaining flour was distributed amidst tension and anger.
WFP emphasized it had to halt deliveries until safe conditions were restored, a decision made with grave concern for exacerbating hunger and potential fatalities.
Since the conflict began, Gaza has faced a severe food crisis due to restricted outside aid. The assault by Israel has resulted in a significant death toll, with over 29,000 casualties reported, primarily women and children, according to the Palestinian territory’s health ministry.
