Northern Gaza is facing chaos. This week, looting broke out as hunger and fear gripped the population. Meanwhile, deadly airstrikes hit the southern parts of the region, killing civilians and destroying homes. The crisis in Gaza continues to escalate with little relief in sight.
Looting Sweeps Through Northern Gaza
Starting Wednesday night, widespread looting spread across northern Gaza. Armed groups and desperate civilians raided shops, warehouses, and aid stations. In many cases, they acted in organized teams.
For example, in Gaza City and the al-Shati refugee camp, crowds stormed local bakeries. They broke down doors, seized equipment, and carried away food. Soon after, they attacked soup kitchens that were meant to feed hungry families.
Meanwhile, some looters overpowered security forces. They pushed past police, who lacked the numbers to fight back. As a result, law enforcement was quickly overwhelmed.
Ahmed Abu Awad, a local resident, said, “These were not random acts. They were planned. People knew where to go and what to take.”
Aid Groups Forced to Evacuate
In addition to the chaos, aid workers faced direct threats. On Thursday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) withdrew staff from its Gaza City field office. Thousands had stormed the building, taking food and supplies.
UNRWA spokesperson Louise Wateridge explained, “People are starving. This isn’t theft for profit. It’s survival.”
Furthermore, several aid organizations reported similar incidents. They said they could no longer protect staff or deliver aid safely. As a result, many deliveries remain blocked or delayed.
Israeli Airstrikes Kill Civilians in the South
While looting surged in the north, airstrikes devastated Khan Younis in the south. On Friday night, Israeli forces hit several homes, killing at least 17 Palestinians.
One strike killed 11 members of a single family, including three children. Two of the children were just one year and one month old. Another airstrike in Batn al-Samin claimed two more civilian lives.
A third attack destroyed another home. Medical teams pulled bodies from the rubble throughout the night.
Israeli authorities said the attacks were meant to pressure Hamas into releasing 59 hostages. However, critics argue the strikes are targeting civilians instead.
Hunger Turns Desperate
As food supplies shrink, desperation grows. Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents lack enough to eat. Many bakeries have shut down due to fuel and flour shortages.
In addition, soup kitchens are running out of supplies. Long lines form early in the morning, but many leave empty-handed. Parents often skip meals to feed their children.
Doctors now report rising cases of malnutrition. According to the World Food Programme, famine is approaching fast. Children, in particular, face grave risks.
Civilians Driven to Loot
Due to these shortages, people have turned to looting. However, many say they have no choice. “We’re not stealing to get rich,” said one man. “We’re trying to live another day.”
Even quiet neighborhoods have turned chaotic. Armed gangs stop food trucks and storm warehouses. In some cases, they rob civilians who just received aid.
Meanwhile, local police struggle to keep control. Some officers have abandoned posts to protect their families. Others have simply run out of options.
Legal and Humanitarian Warnings
Legal experts have raised alarms. They say blocking food and targeting civilians could amount to war crimes. The United Nations has also warned that the situation is becoming a “deliberate humanitarian catastrophe.”
In addition, international law prohibits the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Therefore, UN officials have urged Israel to lift the blockade and allow more aid into Gaza.
They also call on Hamas to release hostages and take steps to end the violence.
Global Calls for Ceasefire
World leaders are now urging an immediate ceasefire. Egypt, Qatar, and other countries are trying to broker peace. However, talks remain fragile.
In the meantime, the UN is calling for safe aid routes. Relief groups say they need protected corridors to reach people with food and medicine.
A Region on the Edge
The people of Gaza are caught between bombs and starvation. Looting reflects their despair. Airstrikes deepen their suffering.
Without immediate help, the situation will only grow worse. For now, Gaza is a place where survival depends on luck, not law.