Insecurity could bring the humanitarian operation in Gaza to a standstill

Statement by Muhannad Hadi, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory

The delivery of critical aid across Gaza, including food, water, fuel and medical supplies, is grinding to a halt. The survival of two million people hangs in the balance. Bakeries are closing one after the other for lack of flour or fuel to operate power generators.  

For over six weeks, the Israeli authorities have been banning commercial imports. At the same time, a surge in armed looting targeting humanitarian convoys and truck drivers, fueled by the breakdown in public order and safety, has further crippled our ability to collect supplies from border areas and deliver critical aid. 

Palestinian civilians are struggling to survive under unlivable conditions, amid relentless hostilities. Pushed to the brink, they lack access to essential support they desperately need to endure this unparalleled humanitarian catastrophe. 

In 2024, UN trucks have been looted 75 times – including 15 such attacks since 4 November alone – and armed people have broken into UN facilities on 34 occasions. Just last week, one driver was shot in the head and hospitalized, along with another truck driver. This Saturday, no less than 98 trucks were looted in a single attack with trucks being damaged or stolen. Humanitarian agencies remain committed to staying and delivering, but our ability to do so is increasingly being called into question. 

Conditions for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza must be established through lawful means. Our calls on behalf of the affected civilian population can no longer be ignored. 

The atrocities must end.