Local Efforts to Deliver Aid into North Gaza Met with Israeli Backlash
Recent successful efforts by local Palestinian groups to bring aid into northern Gaza have been met with renewed Israeli restrictions and violent looting by criminal gangs. Relief trucks, operated by Palestinian tribes, managed to safely enter northern Gaza for the first time in a month, prompting anger among Israeli officials and the public.
Since March, Gaza has been under a full blockade, causing a severe hunger crisis. While limited aid—primarily wheat flour—has been allowed in recently, widespread access remains blocked. Reports indicate that aid trucks enter the area under the protection of tribal groups, with footage showing armed tribesmen guarding the convoys from looters.
Nonetheless, some aid was looted, highlighting ongoing chaos. Civil society leader Amjad al-Shawa accused Israeli-backed gangs of working under military protection to sow unrest and undermine humanitarian efforts. He condemned Israeli tactics aimed at sabotaging aid delivery by replacing official channels with private security outfits and increasing internal violence. Israeli authorities also attacked Palestinian police engaged in efforts to control looting, claiming that such actions hinder security and stability.
Meanwhile, internal politics intensify as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu orders new restrictions following backlash from coalition partners over aid efforts, with some leaders alleging Hamas's involvement in hijacking aid supplies. The situation remains tense, with accusations mounting on all sides about the manipulation and obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
