Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens as Israeli policies and aid looting push millions toward famine.
The deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is not merely a result of the ongoing conflict but is exacerbated by Israeli policies that restrict the flow of essential aid and systematically worsen living conditions for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. The looting of nearly 100 UN aid trucks over the weekend, while tragic, is only one layer of a far graver and more orchestrated crisis that has left Gaza teetering on the edge of famine and social collapse.
The Human Cost of Aid Blockades
Recent data underscores the escalating humanitarian toll. Food prices in Gaza have soared to unimaginable levels. Before the conflict, a sack of flour cost 40 shekels (£8.40), and milk powder was 30 shekels (£6.30). On Tuesday, those prices have skyrocketed to 375 shekels (£80) and 300 shekels (£64), respectively—if supplies can even be found. This inflation is not just a byproduct of looting but a direct result of Israel’s blockade on the territory.
Despite international calls for increased humanitarian access, the Israeli government has allowed an average of only 88 aid trucks per day into Gaza this November—a mere fraction of the 600 trucks needed daily to meet basic needs. This marks an 11-month low, even as the conflict continues to displace thousands and devastate infrastructure. In northern Gaza, where Israeli military offensives have displaced tens of thousands, famine-like conditions are already emerging.
The deliberate throttling of aid delivery is compounded by the broader blockade, now in its 17th year, which has systematically eroded Gaza’s economy and reduced its population to dependence on international relief. This policy, defended by Israel as a measure against Hamas, has overwhelmingly harmed civilians, turning Gaza into what human rights organizations frequently describe as an “open-air prison.”
The Humanitarian Aid Crisis in Gaza at a Glance
Systemic Barriers to Aid Distribution
The challenges of distributing aid in Gaza are manifold but heavily influenced by Israeli military operations. Movement restrictions, airstrikes targeting roads and infrastructure, and the constant threat of violence have made it perilous for aid workers to operate effectively. The UN has reported that around one-third of aid entering Gaza is stolen by armed groups, who resell it at extortionate prices—a grim reflection of the desperation created by scarcity.
However, this internal lawlessness cannot be disentangled from the external pressures imposed by Israel. The systematic targeting of aid convoys and warehouses has been widely criticized, with humanitarian organizations accusing Israel of violating international law. These attacks have not only disrupted the distribution of aid but have also created a climate of fear among relief workers.
The Weaponization of Aid
Israel’s control over Gaza’s borders and its ability to regulate the flow of goods give it immense power over the territory’s survival. By severely restricting essential supplies, Israel has effectively weaponized aid, using it as leverage in its broader conflict with Hamas. This policy has led to widespread malnutrition, unemployment, and psychological trauma among Gaza’s civilian population.
The Israeli government denies deliberately restricting aid and instead accuses Hamas of diverting resources. Yet, numerous reports from international organizations suggest that Israeli policies, including airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. This includes the destruction of hospitals, schools, and markets—critical institutions that serve the civilian population.
Palestinian child is waiting to have food at a food distribution point in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip on July 18, 2024, amid the ongoing Israeli genocide (Photo: Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)
Grassroots Responses Amidst Crisis
Amid the chaos, local efforts to reclaim stolen aid have emerged, offering a glimmer of hope. Hamas, whose governance and military capabilities have been severely weakened by the conflict, has established “popular and revolutionary committees” to combat looting. These groups have reportedly reclaimed stolen goods and returned them to aid organizations, though their methods—sometimes involving lethal force—raise concerns about the further militarization of Gaza’s civilian spaces.
Community leaders have also taken initiative. In central Gaza, residents intercepted and returned stolen UN trucks, showcasing the resilience and solidarity of a population under siege. However, these efforts are piecemeal solutions to a systemic crisis that requires international intervention.
International Responsibility and Israel’s Role
The crisis in Gaza is not merely a local issue but a moral indictment of the international community’s failure to act decisively. The blockade, widely regarded as a form of collective punishment, contravenes international humanitarian law. Yet, global powers, including the United States and the European Union, continue to provide political and military support to Israel, enabling its policies in Gaza.
Efforts to mediate ceasefires have repeatedly failed, and the Israeli government’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful negotiations has prolonged the suffering. The blockade and the accompanying military offensives are not isolated acts of war but part of a broader strategy to subjugate Gaza’s population, eroding their rights and dignity.
Lastly, the plight of Gaza’s residents is not an inevitable consequence of war but a result of deliberate choices that prioritize power over human life. Their suffering serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice and compassion in the face of enduring inhumanity.
