In central Gaza, hunger continues to grip families as food aid remains scarce. On Thursday, Jihad Al Shafie waited outside a bakery that had already run out of bread hours earlier. Like many others, he had hoped that the first flour shipments since early March would provide some relief. But the aid trucks, stuck miles away in southern Gaza, never made it to his area.
“People wait all day, and no one receives anything,” Al Shafie said. His words echo the frustration of many in Gaza who line up early each morning, only to return home empty-handed.
At the same bakery, chaos broke out as desperate crowds tried to grab whatever bread was available. According to the owner, the situation spiraled into panic as hands reached through service windows in hopes of catching a bag of pita. The bread disappeared within minutes, and most people were left with nothing.
Ina’am Al Burdeini, who walked an hour from a nearby refugee camp, also left without food. “It’s exhausting,” she said. “We feel lost and abandoned.”
Aid Enters in Limited Numbers, but Needs Far Exceed Supply
This week marked a partial opening for humanitarian aid, with over 300 trucks entering Gaza since Monday. Israeli authorities stated that they are allowing a basic level of food in to avoid a humanitarian crisis. However, the United Nations highlighted that this is just a fraction of the 500–600 daily trucks that used to enter Gaza before the war.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described the current aid flow as “a needle in a haystack.” He emphasized that only a steady and large-scale influx of food and supplies can prevent the worsening crisis.
Despite the limited aid, much of it fails to reach those most in need. Unsafe transit routes and lawlessness continue to disrupt delivery efforts. Looting incidents have become frequent, including attacks on convoys carrying flour and food to northern areas.
Looting, Violence, and Mistrust Hinder Humanitarian Efforts
Late Thursday night, armed groups attacked and looted several aid trucks in southern and central Gaza. In Deir Al-Balah, gunmen opened fire on convoys, prompting security forces to intervene. Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes targeted the area shortly afterward, resulting in casualties.
The Israeli military stated it struck “several gunmen” and emphasized that the aid itself was not harmed. However, these incidents are contributing to rising insecurity and undermining the trust required for smooth distribution.
The World Food Programme reported that 15 of its trucks were looted while en route to UN-supported bakeries. “Hunger and fear are fueling chaos,” the agency said, calling for safer and more consistent delivery channels.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian NGOs Network condemned the thefts, noting that flour meant for bakeries in the north was stolen, depriving hungry families of vital food.
Uncertainty Surrounds New Aid Initiatives
A new U.S.-Israeli initiative, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, aims to establish four distribution points by the end of the month. But humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, have voiced concerns. They worry the plan may be inadequate, could put civilians at risk, and might even lead to forced displacements.
On Friday, Gaza’s Bakery Owners Association announced they would halt operations unless conditions improve. They urged global agencies to ensure the entry of essential supplies like flour, sugar, yeast, and fuel.
The need for immediate and secure humanitarian access remains critical. Without urgent international action, Gaza’s hunger crisis is likely to deepen further, putting countless lives at risk.
