Famine fear as violence hampers aid effort

Fresh fighting and a deepening breakdown in public order in northern Gaza have derailed a humanitarian effort to avert a famine in parts of the territory, with senior aid officials describing an "incredible level of desperation" as food supplies run out.

- Jason Burke

A UN attempt to deliver 10 convoys of food aid to northern Gaza over seven days was suspended this week after lorries were looted by crowds, a driver beaten up and gunfire reported amid chaotic scenes.

Reports of fresh clashes between Israeli troops and Hamas militants in northern Gaza have reinforced fears that fighting may continue across the territory for many months if there is no ceasefire, further complicating relief efforts.

The looting incidents were the latest in a series of such attacks, which began a month ago. Some have involved organised and armed gangs, but most appear to be spontaneous.

"In most cases, when food does get taken directly from convoys, it's because of utter desperation, with people even eating it on the spot," said Jonathan Fowler, a spokesperson for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Aid agencies said last month that there were likely to be "pockets of famine" in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are living in the ruins of former homes with almost no functioning infrastructure.

"We've had to make the impossible choice to pause aid distributions in northern Gaza," said Cindy McCain, the World Food Programme's executive director, on X. "There's an incredible level of desperation against the backdrop of immense humanitarian need. A famine doesn't have to happen. But if things don't change, it will." Heavy fighting continued in Gaza yesterday, a day after a UN security council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire was blocked by a US veto. Washington argued that the resolution would have imperilled efforts to free hostages.

Officials in Britain yesterday appeared to suggest the UK could stop arms sales to Israel if it went ahead with an offensive in Rafah against the advice of its allies.