What was meant to be lifesaving aid is now being swept up in chaos.
In Gaza, even before food and medical supplies make it to distribution centers, they’re being intercepted—sometimes violently—by desperate residents.
That’s according to Khaeil Abu al-Hussein, a spokesperson for the region’s tribal council, who spoke to Russian outlet RIA Novosti.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to spiral, with residents caught between hunger, insecurity, and what local leaders say is a total breakdown in the aid system.
Desperation at the Border: Aid Trucks Looted Before Arrival
According to Abu al-Hussein, relief convoys sent from Egypt are being looted the moment they cross the Rafah border.
He claims that not one shipment has made it through intact.
“Aid trucks carrying food and medicine are being attacked before they can reach their destinations, driven by growing desperation and hunger,” he explained.
He also accused Israeli authorities of standing by and allowing the chaos to unfold, calling it a deliberate tactic to push civilians into further desperation.
He warned that this pattern of interference not only undermines relief operations but intensifies the suffering of innocent people.
Reports of Violence Against Aid Workers
Adding to the crisis are disturbing reports that Israeli forces have allegedly fired on aid workers and local volunteers trying to help distribute supplies.
If true, this would further paralyze humanitarian efforts on the ground and increase the risk for anyone trying to help.
“The situation is turning more deadly by the day,” Abu al-Hussein warned.
“People aren’t just starving—they’re scared.”
Thousands of Tons of Aid, But Little Reaches the People
Despite Egypt’s continued effort—sending the fourth convoy of aid this week alone—very little of the more than 5,000 tons of food, medicine, and supplies has actually been distributed.
Egyptian media outlet Al Qahera News confirmed the sheer volume of aid entering Gaza, but Israeli COGAT officials say over half the trucks remain stuck, unable to proceed without UN coordination.
Looting and lack of secure infrastructure are preventing the deliveries from reaching those in need.
WHO Raises Red Flags on Child Starvation
The World Health Organization is sounding a dire alarm.
Its Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed that 21 children under the age of five have died from starvation in Gaza this year alone.
That figure is part of a much larger crisis.
According to WHO data, over 10% of Gaza’s population now faces acute malnutrition, with the situation even worse for pregnant and breastfeeding women, where the rate hits 20%.
“The crisis is deteriorating further due to disruptions in humanitarian deliveries and access limitations,” Dr. Tedros said, urging immediate and protected access for aid groups.
Israel Responds with Airdrops and Aid Corridors
In response to international pressure and worsening conditions, the Israeli government announced on July 26 that it had resumed airdrops of humanitarian supplies and opened new corridors to allow safe passage for UN aid convoys.
COGAT confirmed that over 300 trucks entered Gaza on Monday alone, though many of them remain undelivered due to continued security risks and infrastructure collapse.
Gaza’s Death Toll Continues to Climb
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, since October 7, 2023, more than 60,000 Palestinians have died as a result of Israeli military actions.
On top of that, around 10,000 people have been injured while attempting to access humanitarian aid—and over 1,000 of those have died from their wounds.
Perhaps most heart-wrenching, 154 people—including 89 children—have now died from hunger-related causes, underscoring the deadly consequences of delayed and disrupted aid.
