In Gaza, humanitarian supplies looted right in front of the Israeli army – Technologist

The same scenario is being repeated more and more often. After crossing the border separating Israel and Gaza and traveling one kilometer inside Palestinian territory, humanitarian aid convoys are looted, right next to the Israeli troops, who stand by and do nothing to stop it. Once past the controls at the Israeli terminal of Kerem Shalom, not far from the Egyptian border, the trucks are stormed by armed gangs, increasingly better organized, according to the testimony of humanitarian aid workers in the enclave. At the same time, the Palestinian police, who could ensure the security of the shipments, but whom Israel appears to associate with Hamas, are pursued relentlessly by the army.

“These gangs are located in the eastern part of Rafah, close to the Israeli border, in areas where it is impossible to approach without being killed by the army,” reported a Palestinian observer based in the south of the enclave, who wished to remain anonymous. “The Israelis have repeatedly targeted the Palestinian police, who wanted to protect aid convoys. Hamas recently created a force called ‘Arrow’ to target looters inside the cities, but it can’t do anything in the border areas. It’s clear that Israel has an interest in this looting, which it could put a stop to immediately.”

The phenomenon is not new. In the early months of the war, which began on October 7, 2023, in retaliation for the Hamas massacre, looting seemed to be motivated primarily by urgency. Civilians seized aid during chaotic distributions, against a backdrop of widespread shortages. In recent months, armed gangs, often linked to notorious criminals or influential families in southern Gaza, have taken it upon themselves to attack aid convoys.

‘Timely counterweight’

These groups receive precise information on the contents of shipments, enabling them to concentrate on items likely to fetch high prices on the black market: from food to cigarettes, as well as more diverse products. For example, a shipment from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) included a stock of children’s and adult diapers that have value, while the rest, which they considered of lesser interest, was spared. “All this is happening in full view of the Israeli forces, who are doing nothing to prevent the looting,” said Amande Bazerolle, MSF’s head of emergencies in Gaza. “These armed gangs are linked to families that appear to be opposed to Hamas. It is believed that they are tolerated because they constitute a convenient counterbalance force for the Israelis,” said a humanitarian source.

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