[News] Internal UN Memo Uncovers Israeli Military’s Involvement in Aid Looting in Gaza

[Anti-Imperialist News]

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Internal UN Memo Uncovers Israeli Military’s Involvement in Aid Looting in
GazaNovember 18, 2024
------------------------------
[image: An internal United Nations memo obtained by The Washington Post
reveals that criminal gangs are looting humanitarian aid in Gaza under the
protection of the Israeli military.]

Gaza (Quds News Network)- An internal United Nations memo obtained by The
Washington Post reveals that criminal gangs are looting humanitarian aid in
Gaza under the protection of the Israeli military.

According to the memo, organized crime groups have been systematically
seizing aid supplies in areas directly controlled and patrolled by the
Israel military, significantly worsening the humanitarian crisis in the
besieged enclave.

The report also quotes a senior official from a major international relief
organization as stating that “We have not witnessed any interference from
Hamas in our programs, whether in the north or the south”, denying Israeli
accusations against the resistance movement.
Memo Exposes Israeli Complicity

The internal document concludes that these gangs “may be benefiting from a
passive if not active benevolence” or even “protection” from the Israeli
army.

Specifically, the memo highlights that one gang leader established a
“military-like compound” in a restricted area near Karem Abu Salem
crossing, which is closely monitored by Israeli forces.

Despite the presence of Israeli troops nearby, aid organizations report
that Israeli soldiers have repeatedly decided not to intervene during
attacks on aid convoys.
Increasing Violence Against Aid Convoys

Officials from various aid groups, humanitarian workers, and transport
companies describe how gangs have turned looting into an organized criminal
enterprise, often resorting to extreme violence.

Armed men have attacked aid truck drivers, leading to kidnappings and, in
some cases, fatalities. In a major incident reported last week, nearly 98
out of 109 trucks carrying UN food aid were ransacked near the border
crossing. The attackers not only stole food but also injured several
transporters and severely damaged vehicles.

According to Muhannad Hadi, the UN humanitarian coordinator for the
occupied Palestinian territories, the security situation in Gaza has
completely deteriorated. “Gaza is basically lawless,” he said. “There is no
security anywhere.” He emphasized that, as the occupying power, Israel
bears the responsibility to protect and secure the aid convoys entering the
region.
Aid Organizations Plead for Protection

The memo further outlines how aid organizations have repeatedly requested
Israeli authorities to implement better security measures, including safer
routes and permission for Gaza’s civilian police to protect convoys.
However, these requests have largely been denied.

The Israeli military has denied any involvement, claiming that its forces
are focused on facilitating aid transfers and have carried out “targeted
countermeasures” against the looters without causing collateral damage.
Mounting Humanitarian Crisis

The looting has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As
winter approaches, aid organizations struggle to deliver critical food,
hygiene items, and shelter supplies to over 2 million displaced
Palestinians.

With aid supplies dwindling to their lowest levels since the early stages
of the genocide, millions are now at risk of severe hunger.

The Biden administration had decided
<https://qudsnen.co/us-state-department-claims-israel-did-not-violate-aid-conditions-pledges-continued-weapons-support/>to
maintain its military aid to Israel, despite mounting evidence of Israel’s
systematic starvation campaign against Gaza, claiming that Israel has not
breached American laws on blocking aid supplies. Earlier on the same day,
Israel’s Defence Ministry confirmed that it has no immediate plans to send
aid to the besieged northern Gaza Strip.

The Ministry of Interior in Gaza has announced on Monday that it stated a
large-scale security operation targeting outlaws, who have been looting
humanitarian aid under the protection of Israeli forces. According to
sources within the ministry, the crackdown led to the neutralization of Abu
Shabab, who was mentioned in the UN memo as the main gang leader, as well
as over 20 members of his gang.
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