WP Reports: Israeli Gunfire and Looting Deepen Gaza's Starvation Crisis
In a detailed report released Sunday, the newspaper described chaotic scenes at aid distribution points, where starving civilians face ongoing risks of violence and gunfire by Israeli occupation forces.
Despite the recent Israeli claims of easing restrictions on food supplies amid growing international pressure, aid convoys continue to encounter bureaucratic hurdles, looting, and gunfire by Israeli occupation forces.
United Nations officials warn that these conditions perpetuate a 'worst-case famine scenario,' with only a fraction of aid reaching those in desperate need.
Gaza's Ministry of Health reports at least 154 deaths due to malnutrition since the conflict began, most occurring in July.
The report quotes Jeremy Konyandik, head of the International Refugee Organization, who says the current aid disruptions are 'an inevitable consequence' of the Israeli blockade imposed this spring, amid ongoing genocide.
Adding to the crisis, a former Israeli military official admitted to a 'complete system collapse' due to the ongoing military campaign, noting rampant looting by gangs and desperate civilians alike.
While some international aid has been delivered by air, officials caution that these efforts fall far short of addressing the widespread hunger.
Further complicating aid delivery, the Israeli occupation has restricted convoy routes, closing 80% of Gaza's territory as military zones, forcing aid convoys through just two congested corridors, where late convoy movements and crowding have increased risks of theft and violence.
The Washington Post calls on Israeli authorities to honor prior commitments to open additional crossings and remove military presence from aid routes to alleviate Gaza's dire humanitarian conditions.
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