UNRWA Suspends Aid Due to Looting in Gaza

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has suspended aid deliveries through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza due to escalating security concerns, specifically looting by armed gangs. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, cited the breakdown of law and order and criticized Israeli policies for exacerbating the situation, as nearly 100 trucks were looted in mid-November. The suspension threatens to worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands rely on aid amidst warnings of potential famine, especially as winter sets in. The Israeli government, which has been blamed for inadequate aid flow and security, denies these allegations and claims sufficient aid is allowed, attributing delivery failures to UNRWA. Kerem Shalom remains the primary crossing for aid despite alternative openings under international pressure, as the Rafah crossing with Egypt has been closed since May. The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas attacks in October, has further complicated aid distribution, with Israel focusing military efforts in northern Gaza.