UN resumes aid distribution in Gaza, suspended over looting

WORLD  29 June 2024 - 17:48

The UN resumed humanitarian aid distribution to Gaza civilians on June 28, using a temporary pier built by the US, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

This marks the first delivery since June 9, following a suspension due to security concerns.

According to CENTCOM (US military's central command), 8,831 tons of aid have been transported through the pier for distribution by humanitarian organizations in Gaza, with 4,535 tons delivered just last week.

Due to disruptions caused by rough seas, the pier will be dismantled next month and relocated to Ashdod. Discussions between Israel, the US, and the UN are exploring Ashdod as a viable alternative. A trial run conducted by American military officials and the IDF for overland aid delivery into Gaza proceeded smoothly.

Inside Gaza, approximately 6,800 tons of aid have been awaiting distribution for three weeks. Doug Stropes, Division Chief for USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, described the situation as incredibly challenging and complex for humanitarian operations. He noted concerns about organized looting of aid trucks, stating that the issue seemed to have expanded beyond individual distribution efforts.

Stropes remarked on the nature of the looting, highlighting that while not centrally organized on a large scale, there were organized elements intercepting and taking commodities from trucks.

Caliber.Az