The United Nations’ Aid Shipments Paused Due to Attacks in Gaza
The United Nations’ main agency serving Palestinians announced a pause in aid shipments through a border crossing into southern Gaza due to repeated attacks by armed gangs on the aid trucks. This decision came after World Central Kitchen reported the deaths of three workers in an Israeli strike targeting a Hamas fighter among the workers.
Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UNRWA, stated that obstructions from Israeli authorities, political restrictions, unsafe routes, and the targeting of local police made aid shipments through the Kerem Shalom crossing impossible. He also mentioned that aid convoys were stolen by armed gangs, with one large convoy being targeted on Nov. 16.
Israel responded by stating that the pause at Kerem Shalom would not significantly impact aid flow, as only 7% of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza last month was coordinated by UNRWA. The Israeli military unit, COGAT, emphasized that numerous humanitarian organizations continue to deliver aid into Gaza through other crossings.
COGAT placed blame on Hamas for the gang activity, accusing the terror group of abusing humanitarian infrastructure in Gaza for its agenda. Israel has accused some UNRWA staffers of being affiliated with Hamas.
UNRWA provides schools and essential services to Palestinians and operates in Palestinian refugee camps in various countries. Supporters argue that UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid during the crisis in Gaza. However, Israeli leaders have criticized UNRWA for alleged incitement in schools and ties to terror groups.
Israel has accused UNRWA staffers of participating in Hamas atrocities, with the IDF uncovering a Hamas center beneath UNRWA’s Gaza headquarters. In response, Israel passed legislation targeting UNRWA and restricting its activities within the country.
Prior to the UNRWA statement, World Central Kitchen paused its activities in Gaza after one of its vehicles was hit by an Israeli airstrike, resulting in the deaths of three contractors. This incident marked the second time World Central Kitchen staffers were killed in Gaza.
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