On May 22, 2025, just across the border at the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza, a convoy of trucks belonging to the World Food Programme (WFP) was poised to deliver much-needed aid to the besieged region. However, the situation took a dire turn late Thursday when reports emerged that more than a dozen WFP trucks were looted in southern Gaza, further exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis.

In total, 15 trucks were reportedly intercepted while traveling to bakeries supported by the WFP. This alarming incident highlights the precarious circumstances faced by the two million residents of Gaza, who are now confronting the grim realities of what the WFP describes as 'extreme hunger and famine without immediate action.' The organization, which operates under the auspices of the United Nations, has not disclosed the identities of those responsible for the looting.

The WFP issued a fervent statement emphasizing the gravity of the situation: 'These trucks were transporting critical food supplies for hungry populations waiting anxiously for assistance. Hunger, desperation, and anxiety over whether more food aid is coming is contributing to rising insecurity.' This stark warning underscores the depth of the crisis and the urgent need for a more effective response.

In recent days, the Israeli government has taken steps to ease the blockade that has restricted the flow of food and humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2. As part of a comprehensive three-phase plan, the Israeli authorities have begun allowing aid trucks to gradually re-enter the region. However, the distribution of food remains hampered by logistical and security challenges, with the WFP calling for greater support from Israeli authorities to facilitate the safe and timely delivery of aid.

'WFP cannot safely operate under a distribution system that limits the number of bakeries and sites where Gaza’s population can access food,' the WFP stated. They urged that direct distribution of food parcels to families be allowed, arguing that this method is the most effective way to avert widespread starvation.

According to the latest reports from the U.N. and various humanitarian organizations, the Israeli blockade has led to alarming levels of malnutrition, with one in five Gazans—approximately 500,000 individuals—facing the threat of starvation. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification platform highlighted this dire statistic, calling for immediate international intervention.

In an effort to respond to the crisis, the Israeli government is collaborating with the United States to establish aid distribution points in central and southern Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this initiative, yet it has not been without controversy. Established aid organizations, which have been working in Gaza for nearly two years, have expressed skepticism about the plan's adherence to international humanitarian law.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced strong opposition to any scheme that compromises the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality. He stated, 'We will not take part in any scheme that fails to respect international law and the humanitarian principles.'

The proposed Israeli-American system for distributing aid is set to commence on Monday, but significant challenges remain. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, demanding urgent attention and a coordinated response from the international community.