‘Hordes of hungry people’ break into Gaza warehouse amid food crisis, 4 killed

The warehouse had been pre-stocked with food intended for humanitarian distribution.

The looting comes despite recent efforts to ease restrictions. (AP Photo)

Since Israel blocked the supply of aid for almost three months, the danger of a widespread famine in Gaza was imminent which was earlier warned by the World Health Organisation.

Humanitarian needs ‘spiralled out of control’

In a statement, the WFP said, “Gaza needs an immediate scale-up of food assistance. This is the only way to reassure people that they will not starve.” The agency said that it had repeatedly warned of “alarming and deteriorating conditions on the ground” and the risks posed by restricted humanitarian access.

The looting comes despite recent efforts to ease restrictions.

Israeli authorities said that 121 aid trucks carrying food and flour, organized by the UN and international partners, entered Gaza on Wednesday. Still, aid agencies say this falls far short of what is needed.

UN: Looting fueled by desperation, not Hamas

‘Gaza needs an immediate scale-up of food assistance,’ WFP said. (AP Photo)

Jonathan Whittall, head of the UN’s humanitarian office for the occupied Palestinian territories, rejected claims that Hamas was diverting aid managed through official humanitarian channels. Instead, he blamed criminal gangs, saying the Israeli army had allowed such groups to operate near the Kerem Shalom crossing, a major aid entry point.

Whittall added that looting was largely a result of desperation. He urged for a large-scale aid push, similar to the one that occurred during the recent ceasefire, to stabilize the situation and ensure that UN networks could function effectively across the Gaza Strip.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

The incident at the UN site followed a violent confrontation Tuesday at a newly established aid distribution center backed by the US and Israel—the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Gaza’s Health Ministry reported one person killed and 48 wounded, including women and children. A Red Cross field hospital confirmed that all wounded suffered gunshot injuries.

The Israeli military, which oversees the site from a distance, claimed it only fired warning shots. The GHF stated its contractors did not open fire.

The warehouse had been pre-stocked with food intended for humanitarian distribution. (AP Photo)

The GHF has opened four distribution centers in southern and central Gaza, guarded by US security contractors. Its model bypasses UN agencies, which have denounced it as unworkable, unethical, and a violation of humanitarian principles. UN bodies have refused to participate, warning it could force Palestinians to move near hubs or face starvation—potentially amounting to forcible displacement.

UN envoy Sigrid Kaag compared the situation to “a lifeboat after the ship has sunk,” warning that many in Gaza “have lost hope.” She told the Security Council that Palestinians now say, “See you in heaven,” instead of goodbye.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its military campaign in response to Hamas’ October 7 attack, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 abducted in southern Israel. Of the hostages, 58 remain in Gaza—about a third believed alive.

(With inputs from AP, BBC)