Gaza Strip: The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) announced on Sunday the suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip via the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, citing ongoing security issues.
According to Anadolu Agency, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini emphasized the precarious situation, stating, “We are pausing the delivery of aid through Kerem Shalom, the main crossing point for humanitarian aid into Gaza. The road out of this crossing has not been safe for months.” The decision follows a recent incident where a large aid convoy was stolen by armed gangs, highlighting the risks faced by aid operations in the region.
Lazzarini further explained that a recent attempt to deliver food trucks via the same route resulted in their seizure. “This difficult decision comes at a time hunger is rapidly deepening. The delivery of humanitarian aid must never be dangerous or turn into an ordeal,” he added. He pointed to Israel’s continuing siege, restrictions, and the u
nsafe conditions as significant barriers to conducting humanitarian work in Gaza.
Underlining the importance of ensuring the safety of aid workers and supplies, Lazzarini insisted, “The responsibility of protection of aid workers and supplies is with the State of Israel as the occupying power. They must ensure aid flows into Gaza safely and must refrain from attacks on humanitarian workers.” He also called for a cease-fire to facilitate the secure and uninterrupted delivery of aid to those in need.
The ongoing conflict, which began after a Hamas-led cross-border attack in October last year, has led to substantial casualties, with nearly 44,400 people, predominantly women and children, killed and over 105,000 injured. The international community has increasingly condemned the situation, viewing the blockade and attacks as efforts to obliterate a population.
In response to these events, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants on Nov. 21 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and
former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Simultaneously, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the region.