A large part of the aid shipments that are brought into war-torn Gaza via the Kerem Shalom border crossing never reach those in need, according to information provided to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
Two armed Palestinian gangs are said to be behind the "systematic looting" of the convoys. The trucks are stopped with the help of improvised barricades and shooting, and then a "transfer fee" of approximately 43,000 kronor is demanded – if the driver refuses to pay, they risk being assaulted, kidnapped, or looted.
The Israeli military, which controls the area, is allegedly turning a blind eye to what is happening, according to Haaretz.
Given Up Trying
The looting reflects the total anarchy that prevails in Gaza, according to sources. Due to the war, all forms of stable governance in the strip have collapsed. The remnants of the local police force have tried to stop the looters, but have instead been attacked by Israel, which equates the police with Hamas.
The problem is said to have escalated dramatically since Israel took control of the Rafah crossing into Egypt in May, which led the neighboring country to respond by closing its side of the border.
As a result, the aid convoys are left at the mercy of Kerem Shalom. Aid organizations have repeatedly appealed to be allowed to use other border crossings, but have been met with a cold shoulder by Israel. Some of the organizations say they have stopped delivering emergency aid due to the situation.
Israel Denies
The looting is well-known to both Israeli soldiers and high-ranking officials in the defense department, reports Haaretz.
According to the newspaper's information, they are turning a blind eye out of fear that aid workers will be harmed if they act against the gangs, which would likely lead to strong international condemnation of Israel.
In a comment to Haaretz, a spokesperson for the Israeli military claims that they are doing their utmost to secure aid shipments to the Gaza Strip. The military is carrying out targeted attacks against "armed terrorists who loot aid", the spokesperson asserts.
