The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, announced on Sunday that it has suspended humanitarian aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is controlled by Israel. The decision was taken in response to growing security risks.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini explained, “We are pausing the delivery of aid through Kerem Shalom, the primary crossing point for humanitarian aid into Gaza. The road leading from this crossing has been unsafe for months.” Lazzarini also revealed that last month, armed gangs had stolen a large aid convoy entering Gaza. Despite efforts to transport food trucks through the same route on the previous day, they were all seized.
Lazzarini expressed deep concern, noting that this suspension comes amid a rapidly worsening hunger crisis in Gaza. “Delivering humanitarian aid should never involve such risks or ordeals,” he said. He further highlighted the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel, the lack of security, and the targeting of local authorities as obstacles preventing effective humanitarian operations in Gaza.
He pointed out that Israel, as the occupying power, has a responsibility to ensure the safety of aid workers and the secure delivery of supplies. “They must guarantee the safe flow of aid into Gaza and refrain from targeting humanitarian workers,” Lazzarini emphasized. He reiterated his call for a ceasefire to allow the safe and uninterrupted delivery of aid to those in need.
The situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire following Israel’s intensified military campaign after a cross-border attack by Hamas in October of the previous year. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly 44,400 people, mostly women and children, and left over 105,000 injured. The international community has raised growing concerns about Israel’s actions, with allegations of war crimes and genocide. On Nov. 21, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes related to the Gaza conflict.
