Gaza, November 2024 – The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached alarming levels as criminal gangs and looters increasingly obstruct the distribution of critical aid supplies, according to aid workers and local residents.

These groups, operating with apparent impunity, are now the primary obstacle to delivering much-needed relief in southern Gaza, where law and order have severely deteriorated.

Aid Under Attack

In one of the most severe incidents of the ongoing crisis, nearly 100 UN aid trucks were ambushed on November 16, with looters reportedly injuring several Palestinian drivers and seizing large quantities of humanitarian supplies.

The attack marked one of the most significant single losses of aid during the 13-month-long conflict. Following this incident, Hamas responded by reactivating its special security forces to combat theft and restore a semblance of order.

The militant group, which governs Gaza, has reportedly killed several alleged looters in ambushes since the UN convoy attack.

However, critics argue that these measures are less about public safety and more about consolidating control over the lucrative black market trade.

“It’s tactical, systematic, criminal looting,” said Georgios Petropoulos, head of the UN’s humanitarian office, OCHA, in Gaza.

He described the escalating violence as “ultra-violence” involving all sides: looters targeting aid workers, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) clashing with police, and police retaliating against looters.

Power Vacuum and Lawlessness

The breakdown of public order is especially acute near the Kerem Shalom border crossing, the main entry point for aid supplies into Gaza.

Gangs, exploiting the absence of effective governance, have blocked major roads and fired at trucks attempting to access distribution centers. The notorious criminal families of Gaza have taken advantage of the chaos, erecting barriers and enforcing their own checkpoints.

Sam Rose, deputy director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza, lamented the current state of affairs. “Law and order have broken down. It’s inevitable after 13 months of intense conflict – things fall apart,” he said.

Aid workers have described the situation as critical, with the worsening rainy winter weather adding to the desperation of Gaza’s displaced population of 2.3 million.

Hamas’ former head of police investigations acknowledged the group’s loss of control, admitting that security in Gaza had dropped to less than 20%. “We are working on a plan to restore control to 60% within a month,” he told the BBC.

Dire Humanitarian Situation

While much of the international focus remains on northern Gaza, where a renewed Israeli military offensive has intensified, the humanitarian needs in the south are also dire. Food, medicines, and essential supplies are in short supply, and prices have skyrocketed.

A bag of flour now costs more than $200, while a single egg is priced at $15. Cigarettes, a prized commodity in the besieged territory, have become a focal point of smuggling operations, with individual cigarettes fetching up to 180 shekels ($48.60).

Local residents, like Umm Ahmed from Khan Younis, describe the daily struggle for survival. “My children are very hungry every day. We can’t afford the basics. It’s constant suffering.

No food, no water, no cleaning products, nothing,” she said. “We don’t want much, just to live a decent life. We need food. We need goods to come in and be distributed fairly.”

Rising Criticism of Israeli Policies

Israel’s blockade on Gaza has further complicated the aid situation. Aid workers have criticized the stringent entry restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities, which they argue hinder the flow of humanitarian supplies.

While Israeli officials maintain that the UN and aid agencies are failing to bring enough trucks to the crossings, humanitarian organizations insist that more crossing points need to be opened and secured.

“There’s no denying the immense restrictions we face,” said Petropoulos. “The breakdown in public order needs to be addressed urgently, and as an occupying power, Israel has an obligation to ensure protection and security.”

Reports suggest that thefts often occur in areas under Israeli military control, with looted goods stored in warehouses visible to soldiers or surveillance drones.

However, the IDF has not commented on these allegations. In a separate statement, the military has emphasized its efforts to facilitate aid entry and combat smuggling.

Hamas’ Role: Restoring Order or Reasserting Control?

Hamas’ efforts to crack down on criminal activity have drawn mixed reactions from Gazans. While some, like Mohammed Abu Jared, support the group’s crackdown on theft, others accuse Hamas of exploiting the crisis to eliminate competition in the black market.

“Hamas is killing its competitors in stealing aid,” claimed Mohammed Diab, an activist in Deir al-Balah. “A big mafia has finished off a small mafia.”

Observers see Hamas’ actions as an attempt to re-establish its authority amid the power vacuum created by Israel’s campaign to weaken the group. Israeli strikes earlier this year targeted Gaza’s police forces, citing their role in Hamas governance, further contributing to the lawlessness.

International Efforts and Growing Tensions

The United States has urged Israel to increase the number of aid trucks allowed into Gaza, but logistical and security challenges persist.

Discussions are reportedly underway to contract a private American security firm to oversee aid deliveries, a proposal that has sparked concern among aid organizations.

“How safe is it really going to be?” asked Petropoulos. “I think it will be a vector for more bloodshed and violence.”

Meanwhile, supplies continue to pile up in Egypt, delayed by the logistical and political hurdles that have plagued aid operations throughout the conflict.

The lack of a comprehensive post-war plan for Gaza has only exacerbated the crisis, leaving many wondering how long the territory can endure under such conditions.

A Region on the Brink

As Gaza enters the winter months, the humanitarian situation remains precarious. With criminal gangs exploiting the chaos, aid workers and residents alike face an uphill battle to secure even the most basic necessities.

The unfolding crisis underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to address Gaza’s multifaceted challenges. But until a sustainable solution is found, the people of Gaza will continue to bear the brunt of a conflict that shows no signs of abating.