DayofPal– A leaked internal memo from the United Nations, recently obtained by The Washington Post, has uncovered a disturbing pattern of criminal gangs looting humanitarian aid in Gaza, with apparent backing from the Israeli army.
The memo reveals that organized crime groups have been steadily seizing essential aid supplies in Gaza Strip directly controlled and monitored by Israeli forces, further deepening the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the blockaded enclave.
The report also includes a statement from a senior official of a prominent international relief organization, who refutes Israeli claims against Hamas, saying, “We have not encountered any interference from Hamas in our operations, whether in the north or south.”
The internal memo concludes that these gangs “may be benefiting from a passive if not active benevolence” or even “protection” from the Israeli army, highlighting that one gang leader established a “military-like compound” in a restricted area near Karem Abu Salem crossing, monitored by Israeli forces.
Officials from multiple aid groups, humanitarian workers, and transport companies said the gangs have turned looting into an organized criminal enterprise, often resorting to extreme violence.
Armed assailants have targeted aid truck drivers, resulting in kidnappings and, in some instances, fatalities. In a particularly devastating incident last week, nearly 98 of the 109 trucks carrying essential UN food supplies were looted near Abu Salem crossing.
The attackers not only stole the food but also left several drivers injured and caused extensive damage to the vehicles, under the watch and complete coordination with the Israeli army.
Muhannad Hadi, the UN humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories, painted a grim picture of the situation in Gaza, describing it as utterly lawless.
“Gaza has descended into complete chaos and its security has completely collapsed,” he said, holding the primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of aid convoys entering the region to Israel.
Despite Israel’s denial, the memo further outlines how aid organizations have repeatedly requested Israeli authorities to implement better security measures, including safer routes and permission for Gaza’s civilian police to protect convoys. However, these requests have largely been denied.
As winter approaches, aid organizations struggle to deliver critical food, hygiene items, and shelter supplies to over 2 million displaced Palestinians as the looting has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Gaza’s Ministry of Interior announced on Monday that it started a large-scale security operation targeting outlaws, who have been looting humanitarian aid under the protection of Israeli forces.
According to local sources within the ministry, the crackdown led to the neutralization of Abu Shabab, who was mentioned in the UN memo as the main gang leader, as well as over 20 members of his gang.
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