On Thursday, an Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, killed 18 people who had gathered to receive bags of flour from a Palestinian police unit (Sahm). This unit had confiscated the flour from armed gangs looting aid convoys amidst a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on food supplies over the past 2.5 months. Witnesses reported that the strike targeted the unit, which is part of Hamas-led security forces, as they distributed confiscated goods to a desperate crowd.
The region has been thrown into chaos as food distribution efforts are hindered by theft and looting, with witnesses recounting the aftermath of the strike, where multiple young men were found deceased on the streets. Israeli military officials have previously accused Hamas of misappropriating aid supplies, contributing to tensions between the factions tasked with managing aid.
In a separate development, the National Gathering of Palestinian Clans and Tribes has initiated independent efforts to safeguard aid convoys against theft, claiming success in escorting a rare shipment of flour into northern Gaza. They criticized Israeli officials for framing accusations of aid theft as a justification for military actions, emphasizing their commitment to delivering supplies to those in need.
Despite ongoing violence, including additional airstrikes that reportedly killed 28 more individuals across Gaza, some families managed to access essential supplies after receiving aid. Many Palestinians, like Hiba Khalil, expressed relief at finally obtaining flour but highlighted the struggles faced due to high prices and looting of aid. This ongoing crisis underscores the complex and volatile aid situation in Gaza, affecting over 2 million residents.
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