Gazans Create Food Shortages

For months now, Israel has been accused of limiting the flow of aid into Gaza and even using starvation as a weapon of war. The Israelis have repeatedly said that the problem is caused by poor distribution of aid by the relevant agencies, especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) which is accused of allowing Hamas to control much of what goes into the Gaza Strip.

A major incident occurred on Saturday 16th November when an aid convoy of 109 trucks was looted, resulting in the loss of 98 trucks. Aid workers say this is one of the worst incidents in the 13 months of war.

Hamas’ Interior Ministry in Gaza says at least 20 people were killed in a security operation targeting “gangs” who are accused of looting the trucks. The ministry claimed this operation was carried out in co-operation with “tribal committees”.

Their statement went on to say that thefts had “severely affected society and led to signs of famine in southern Gaza.” And they warned that this operation was the start of a broader campaign to tackle the problem.

However, this appears to be an attempt by Hamas to blame others for the problem and absolve themselves from responsibility for hijacking much of the aid.

Without identifying those responsible for the looting, UNRWA’s Commissioner General, Philippe Lazzarini, said the “total breakdown of civil order” in Gaza meant it had “become an impossible environment to operate in”.

All of this, especially Hamas’ reference to “tribal committees”, indicates that it is people within Gaza who are responsible for the food shortages, whether it be members of Hamas or criminal gangs.

The signs are that it is impossible to distribute aid successfully to those in need in all parts of the Strip amid such a heavily armed and lawless society.