UN chief decries ‘systematic’ looting of Gaza humanitarian aid
The United Nations chief denounced the repeated looting of critical humanitarian assistance in Gaza, a day after the besieged enclave’s Interior Ministry said 20 people were killed in a security operation targeting criminal gangs.
“Armed looting has become systematic and must end immediately. It is hindering life-saving aid operations and further endangering the lives of our staff,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“However, the use of law enforcement operations must be lawful, necessary and proportionate.”
Israel imposed a total siege on Gaza in the early stages of the war last year, and the UN warned on November 9 that famine looms in some areas because of a lack of food aid.
West Bank haulers’ union worried about drivers after aid trucks looted in Gaza
The head of the West Bank haulers’ union says he is concerned about truck drivers and aid not reaching people in need after nearly 100 trucks carrying food for Palestinians were violently looted on November 16 after entering Gaza.
“Of course, we get worried for the Gazan driver that comes to transfer the aid, so he leaves his home risking his life not knowing if he will go back home,” said Adel Amr.
The convoy transporting food provided by United Nations agencies was instructed by Israel to depart at short notice via an unfamiliar route from Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) border crossing, said Louise Wateridge, senior emergency officer for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
Ninety-eight of the 109 trucks in the convoy were raided and some of the transporters were injured during the incident, she said.
Al-Aqsa TV channel quoted Hamas interior ministry sources in Gaza as saying more than 20 gang members involved in looting aid trucks were killed during an operation carried out by security forces.
It said anyone caught aiding such looting would be treated with “an iron fist”.
