Disruption of humanitarian aid in Gaza attributed to blame game between Israel and Hamas over food crisis
In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a critical humanitarian situation has arisen due to the disruption of aid supplies. The key players involved in this disruption and their respective roles are as follows:
Israeli Authorities
Israeli authorities, as major gatekeepers, control crossings into Gaza, particularly Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem, the main entry point for aid. They have repeatedly denied or restricted the entry of aid convoys, imposing strict limits on fuel and food aid [1][3][4]. Israel has also implemented a prolonged siege and blockade on Gaza, leading to fuel shortages and the suspension of aid operations [1]. Militarization of food distribution points and checkpoints by Israeli forces has resulted in civilian casualties as civilians attempt to access aid [1].
United Nations Agencies
The United Nations agencies, such as UNRWA and WFP, are responsible for coordinating and delivering aid within Gaza. However, they face access restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities and security challenges on the ground, preventing effective aid delivery [1][2]. These agencies call for minimum operating conditions, including safe passage and no armed actors near distribution points, which have not been consistently met [2].
Armed Actors inside Gaza
The presence of armed groups near aid distribution points and convoys can intimidate or disrupt aid deliveries, compromising humanitarian principles and security on the ground [2]. Their activities complicate safe and independent movement of humanitarian teams inside Gaza.
Local Authorities in Gaza
Local authorities in Gaza, such as the Gaza Ministry of Health, while primarily recipients and local coordinators of aid, report casualties and deteriorating conditions caused by the conflict and siege, highlighting the humanitarian need [1].
International Humanitarian Partners and Clusters
International humanitarian partners and clusters, including OCHA, monitor and report on the situation, including denied aid convoys and humanitarian conditions [1][3][5]. They advocate for ceasefires and expanded aid access to alleviate the crisis [2].
Recent events have seen a rocket launched by Hamas falling just 250 meters away from a food distribution center [6]. The UN is demanding humanitarian aid be allowed into Gaza, but the lack of independent information sources complicates the situation [7]. Most data about Gaza comes from conflict parties, making it challenging to accurately assess the humanitarian needs [7].
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical, with nearly 9% of the over 56,000 children surveyed between July 6 and 19 experiencing acute malnutrition [8]. Approximately 1.5% of the children surveyed are suffering from severe acute malnutrition [8].
In light of these circumstances, it is essential for all parties to prioritize humanitarian needs, ensure safe passage for aid workers and convoys, and adhere to humanitarian principles to alleviate the crisis in Gaza.
[1] https://reliefweb.int/report/palestinian-territory-occupied-israel/humanitarian-situation-gaza-strip-2025 [2] https://www.unocha.org/middleeast/palestine [3] https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/press-releases/unrwa-condemns-hamas-rocket-attack-israel-putting-lives-palestinian-refugees-risk [4] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-blocks-entry-aid-convoy-gaza-2025-05-18/ [5] https://www.wfp.org/palestine [6] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/12/rocket-fired-from-gaza-lands-in-israeli-city-of-ashdod [7] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/14/gaza-israel-un-data-manipulation-claims-and-the-lack-of-independent-sources [8] https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/gaza-strip-palestine/malnutrition-crisis-children-gaza-strip-deepens-unicef
- The Israeli authorities, responsible for managing crossings into Gaza, repeatedly deny or limit the entry of aid convoys, enforcing strict limits on fuel and food aid, thus contributing to the critical humanitarian situation.
- The United Nations agencies, such as UNRWA and WFP, are responsible for coordinating and delivering aid within Gaza; however, they face access restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities and security challenges on the ground.
- Armed groups near aid distribution points and convoys can intimidate or disrupt deliveries, compromising humanitarian principles and endangering the security of aid workers.
- Local authorities in Gaza, like the Gaza Ministry of Health, face challenges in providing health services due to the disruption of aid supplies, and they report deteriorating health conditions caused by the conflict and siege.
- International humanitarian partners and clusters, such as OCHA, advocate for ceasefires and expanded aid access to alleviate the crisis in Gaza. Yet, the lack of independent information sources complicates the situation, making it challenging to accurately assess the humanitarian needs.
