UN Reports Most Flour Delivered to Gaza Has Been Looted or Taken by Starving Residents

 

The United Nations announced that since Israel lifted its aid blockade three weeks ago, only a limited amount of flour has entered Gaza, 4,600 metric tons via the Kerem Shalom crossing. Most of this flour has been looted by armed gangs or taken by desperate, starving Palestinians before reaching intended recipients.

Aid groups estimate that between 8,000 and 10,000 metric tons of wheat flour are needed to provide each Gaza family with a bag of flour, helping to ease market pressure and reduce desperation. The 4,600 tons delivered would only last about eight days for Gaza’s 2 million residents, based on standard daily rations.

see also: Greta Thunberg's Gaza Aid Vessel Intercepted by Israeli Forces in International Waters

The UN has called for Israel to allow more aid through multiple crossings and routes. Since the blockade was lifted in mid-May, the UN has mainly delivered flour along with limited medical and nutrition supplies. Experts warn Gaza faces the threat of famine, with child malnutrition nearly tripling.

Israel and the U.S. have sought to use a new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) for aid distribution, but the UN has refused, citing concerns about neutrality and the militarization of aid. Both Israel and Hamas deny accusations of aid theft, with the latter also disputing the UN’s claims.