The Gaza food aid crisis persists, even after Israel eased its blockade in response to global outrage over images of starvation. Although aid deliveries have increased, very little food actually reaches the people who need it.
Aid organizations report that the situation remains dire. Crowds—some desperate, some armed—intercept most trucks before they can reach U.N. warehouses. These groups loot and hoard food or resell it at inflated prices.
Tragically, civilians continue to die trying to access food. Witnesses claim Israeli troops shoot at the crowds surrounding aid trucks. However, Israel says its soldiers only fire warning shots. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by Israel, has also failed to distribute food effectively due to ongoing violence.
International airdrops resumed recently, but they cover only a fraction of the actual need. Many parcels land in restricted zones or fall into the sea. Desperate Palestinians swim out to retrieve them, often risking their lives.
Aid groups say Israel allowed only 270 trucks per day, far below the 500–600 trucks needed. Bureaucratic delays, limited road access, and slow military clearances further hamper distribution.
Truck drivers report dangerous conditions. Massive crowds block their paths, while some individuals threaten them with weapons. One driver said looters even stole his truck battery and diesel fuel.
The U.N. declined armed escorts from Israel, citing neutrality concerns and previous incidents of violence when Israeli troops were nearby.
Israel has not confirmed how long the current aid policy will last. Palestinians describe the current distribution—especially food drops from the sky—as degrading and undignified.
The Gaza food aid crisis highlights both logistical failure and the urgent need for secure, sustained humanitarian support.
