Deepening hunger crisis in Gaza as aid distribution falls short among the most vulnerable
In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a significant concern has arisen regarding the distribution of food aid. The Israeli military, in control of the aid infrastructure, has centralized delivery into four distribution sites established and controlled by the Israeli military. These sites are located in militarized zones, surrounded by military outposts, making it dangerous for Palestinians to reach them.
Israeli forces have been accused of using live ammunition against those seeking food, resulting in hundreds of deaths since May 2025. According to reports by Human Rights Watch and the United Nations, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while trying to reach or within these aid distribution sites.
The new aid distribution system does not adhere to traditional humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, or safety, as outlined by experts and international standards. Egyptian and other international NGOs, including the Egyptian Food Bank, were blocked from sending aid to Gaza from March through early August 2025.
The food deliveries under this system have dramatically decreased compared to pre-war levels, severely insufficient to meet Gaza’s needs. For instance, only 33,000–38,000 metric tons of food aid were delivered in mid-2025, compared to over 160,000 metric tons early in the year.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-based entity backed by Israel, has become the main aid distributor in Gaza, sidelining UN agencies. Security at these sites is provided by contractors hired by the GHF, who have used pepper spray and less-lethal weapons against crowds. However, instances of lethal force by Israeli military are reported outside the sites.
The Israeli authorities have been accused of equipping Palestinian criminal networks in their fight against Hamas and allowing them to plunder aid. Gangs loot some of the aid and divert it to traders who resell it at exorbitant prices, creating a survival-of-the-fittest situation.
The war in Gaza, which started nearly 22 months ago, is causing a severe food crisis. Nearly 1,400 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza while waiting for aid since May 27. Chaos persists, with instances of injury and death reported during aid distribution. Reports indicate that vital supplies are being seized by desperate Palestinians, looted by gangs, or diverted in chaotic circumstances.
International organizations, including the UN, have repeatedly called on Israeli authorities to facilitate and protect aid convoys and storage sites in Gaza. The World Food Programme (WFP) has altered its procedures, instructing drivers to halt before their intended destinations and allow people to help themselves.
Despite renewed, albeit insufficient, flow of aid, the distribution remains problematic. The GHF's four distribution points are described as a "death trap" by the UN. Aid is not reaching those most in need, and the crisis continues to escalate.
- The distribution of food aid in the ongoing conflict in Gaza has become a major concern, with the Israeli army centralizing delivery into four locations.
- Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces while trying to reach these aid distribution sites since May 2025.
- The new system does not adhere to traditional humanitarian principles, while Egyptian and other international NGOs were blocked from sending aid to Gaza from March to early August 2025.
- The food deliveries have dramatically decreased compared to pre-war levels, with only 33,000–38,000 metric tons delivered in mid-2025.
- The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-based entity backed by Israel, has become the main aid distributor, sidelining UN agencies and using contractors for security.
- Palestinian criminal networks are allegedly equipped by Israeli authorities and have been looting aid, creating a survival-of-the-fittest situation.
- The United Nations and other international organizations have repeatedly called on Israeli authorities to ensure aid convoys and storage sites are protected, yet the crisis in Gaza continues to escalate.
