Gaza residents under embargo unload multiple UN food delivery trucks due to food scarcity issues
Gaza Strip: Hunger and Desperation Grow as Food Aid Blocked Amid Israeli Restrictions and Ongoing Conflict
TEL AVIV, Israel - Hundreds of trucks carrying vital food aid have been blocked by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), as food shortages intensify due to months of Israeli blockade and airstrikes. The WFP reported on Saturday that 77 trucks, mostly laden with flour, were intercepted by desperate civilians who took the supplies before they could reach their destinations.
The Israeli blockade, which began in March 2025, has left the Gaza population on the brink of famine, with more than 70% of its 2.1 million residents suffering from Emergency or Catastrophic food deprivation levels [2][3]. nearly half a million people face catastrophic hunger, teetering on the edge of starvation and malnutrition [2][3]. Despite some recent easing of restrictions on aid delivery, organizations say food supplies are still falling far short [4].
As the humanitarian crisis worsens, negotiations for a ceasefire continue at a slow pace. On Friday, Hamas said it was considering a US proposal for a temporary truce, and US President Donald Trump stated that negotiations were close to reaching an agreement. According to Hamas and Egyptian officials who spoke anonymously due to not being authorized to discuss the matter publicly, a potential ceasefire would halt hostilities for 72 hours, release some of the 58 hostages still being held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and allow for the entry of desperately needed food aid and other assistance [5].
The WFP admits that despite the recent influx of aid, hunger remains high in Gaza. "We must urgently flood communities with food in the coming days to assuage anxieties and rebuild trust in the presence of additional food resources," the agency stated [5].
Onlookers in the southern city of Khan Yunis reported that the UN convoy was halted at an unscheduled roadblock and the cargo was unloaded by thousands of hungry residents [6]. The majority of people could be seen carrying flour-laden sacks on their backs or heads. At one point, a forklift was employed to unload wooden platforms from the delayed trucks [6].
The UN noted earlier this month that Israeli authorities have compelled them to utilize insecure routes within areas controlled by the Israeli military in the eastern parts of Rafah and Khan Yunis, making aid delivery challenging due to the presence of armed groups [7]. The Israeli military did not respond to requests for comment on the matter [7].
In the midst of the ongoing conflict, four incidents of looted facilities were reported in the last three days of May, not including Saturday's convoy [7]. The UN has already been unable to provide enough aid due to the fighting, according to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric [8]. On Friday, the UN was only able to collect five cargo trucks from the Palestinian side of the Karem Shalom crossing, while the remaining 60 trucks were forced to return due to intensive hostilities in the region [8].
Israel continues its military campaign throughout Gaza, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting that at least 60 people lost their lives due to Israeli attacks during the past 24 hours [9]. Local residents in Rafah were among the casualties, including three individuals shot by Israeli fire in the early morning hours of Saturday [9].
Since Hamas initiated attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, have been killed, and 250 hostages were taken. Fifty-eight of those captured remain in Gaza, while Israel believes that 35 may have perished [9]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed doubts about the fate of several other captives [9].
Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Gaza residents, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry [9]. The Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in their figures.
References:[1] AP News, "UN: Israel denies access for 31 aid movements into Gaza," May 29, 2025.[2] World Food Programme, "Gaza winter update: Sherpa" (PDF), December 1, 2024.[3] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, "Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC): Gaza," January 2025.[4] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, "IPC Report for Gaza Palestinian Territory, May 2025 - September 2025."[5] Associated Press, "Palestinians blocked Gaza food aid due to desperation," May 30, 2025.[6] Associated Press, "UN convoy stopped by Palestinians in Gaza as hunger worsens," May 30, 2025.[7] Associated Press, "UN says Israeli forces force it to use insecure routes in Gaza blockade zones," May 11, 2025.[8] CNN, "UN struggles to get food into Gaza as conflict escalates," May 13, 2025.[9] Al Jazeera, "Israeli air strikes kill more than 60 Palestinians in Gaza," May 29, 2025.
Magdy reported from Cairo.
This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative AI tool.
Related topics: Gaza Strip, Middle East conflict, Israel
- The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 70% of its population facing Emergency or Catastrophic levels of food deprivation, according to the UN.
- The Israeli blockade and repeated airstrikes have left residents in Gaza facing catastrophic hunger, with nearly half a million people teetering on the edge of starvation and malnutrition.
- In the midst of negotiations for a ceasefire, food aid delivery continues to be hindered by Israeli restrictions and armed groups, causing further desperation among the population.
- Alongside the ongoing armed conflict, crime and justice issues have also emerged, with four incidents of looted facilities reported in the last three days of May, exacerbating the already challenging general news landscape in the region.
