UN official raises alarm over recent deadly IDF strikes throughout Gaza, mass aid looting

A senior UN official expresses his alarm over the “rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Gaza”.

“In recent days, multiple strikes across the Gaza Strip have resulted in scores of reported fatalities and numerous injuries. Women and children continue to be among the casualties. Such incidents are further reminders of the unbearable human cost of the conflict,” says Muhannad Hadi, who serves as deputy special coordinator for the Middle East peace process and humanitarian coordinator for Palestinian territories.

“I am equally concerned by the unacceptably insecure environment in Gaza that continues to negatively impact United Nations aid convoys.

“On 11 December, a 70-truck convoy from Kerem Shalom crossing was violently attacked by looters, leading to the loss of nearly all food and aid supplies. Around the same time, a WFP convoy leaving the Kissufim crossing came under fire, faced extensive delays, and had four out of five trucks violently looted. Attacks undermining humanitarian operations are unacceptable. They threaten the survival of those in desperate need of assistance.”

“Attacks on humanitarian operations can be avoided: earlier this week, through an Israeli agreement for us to use the Philadelphi corridor, a joint UN convoy delivered urgently needed food, reaching nearly 200,000 people in southern and central Gaza,” he notes.

“Urgent action is needed to end atrocities, address the conflict’s root causes, and safeguard the lives and dignity of all people in the region,” Hadi says.