Gaza’s humanitarian assistance was abruptly disrupted as the US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) halted food distribution for one day, blaming threats from Hamas. The militant group denied issuing any threats and vowed to ensure UN aid convoys in the enclave are safe.
This incident highlights the still-present difficulties in providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza in the face of growing Israel-Hamas tensions and a potential humanitarian crisis.
Aid Suspension and Conflicting Claims
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which uses private US security and logistics companies, said it was unable to deliver food aid on Saturday because of unnamed threats that rendered operations impossible. The GHF stated it will resume operations at two sites on Sunday, indicating a move to adjust operations. A Hamas official, however, said Reuters he knew nothing about any threats, describing the claims as unfounded.
In the meantime, the Gaza government controlled by Hamas condemned GHF’s operation as a failure and extended support to the long-established UN-sponsored aid operations. Hamas called for the protection of humanitarian convoys by all Palestinians, stressing its determination to ensure security in aid delivery.
Hamas Promises Protection & Tighter Security Measures
To secure aid supplies and avert looting and armed raiding, Hamas’s militant arm intends to station snipers along UN aid routes beginning Sunday. This action seeks to protect aid deliveries, particularly following charges by Israel and the US that Hamas has diverted aid from UN operations—accusations the militants have strongly denied.
Difficulty in Delivering Aid and Blockade Effect
Israel permitted restricted UN-organized aid to resume following an 11-week blockade, but the UN deems the aid a “drop in the ocean” amidst a deep humanitarian crisis. The GHF began operations on May 26 and has already delivered nearly 9 million meals. However, critics accuse the group of creating disorganized access and triggering deadly violence near its distribution points, where dozens of Palestinians have died recently.
On Wednesday, GHF suspended aid to push Israel to provide more civilian security, and on Friday, suspended again because of over-crowding. The Israeli defense forces reported delivering 350 trucks of aid across the Kerem Shalom crossing this week, but the UN laments frequent denial of passage and looting incidents.
Fuel Crisis and Escalating Conflict
Hospitals in Gaza are experiencing dire fuel shortages, with just three days of fuel left. Israeli authorities withhold access to hospital fuel depots, deepening the medical crisis. Israeli airstrikes have killed 55 individuals on Saturday, further intensifying the conflict.
The Israeli forces uncovered an underground Hamas tunnel and command center under the European Hospital in Gaza, showing continued security fears.
Human Toll and Continuing Hostilities
The conflict started after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack killed more than 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 hostages. Israeli military operations have since killed over 54,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom were civilians. Recently, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said a Thai worker’s body had been retrieved from militant captors, highlighting the human cost.
This Gaza humanitarian crisis illustrates the intricate mixture of security challenges, political tensions, and pressing needs. The halt in aid and protection need illustrate a delicate condition requiring concerted action from everyone to ensure that aid is delivered to those who are in dire need.
