People carry sacks of flour distributed by charities in Khan Younis on Saturday.
Chaos and hunger continue to engulf Gaza as nearly 80 aid trucks carrying food supplies were looted on Saturday. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that desperate civilians seized the aid, highlighting the territory’s spiraling famine crisis.
Hunger Fuels Chaos Across Gaza
According to the WFP, 77 trucks loaded with flour had crossed into Gaza. But none made it to their intended destinations. Desperate families, driven by starvation, intercepted them across central and southern regions.
“After 80 days under a total blockade, people are starving,” the WFP stated on X (formerly Twitter). “They’re no longer willing to let food pass them by.”
Looting Hotspots: Netzarim and Khan Younis
Nahed Shehaibar, a local aid official, revealed to CNN that 20 trucks were looted near Netzarim. Another 50 trucks were stripped of their cargoes in Khan Younis.
Videos from Khan Younis showed desperate people carrying sacks of flour. In Netzarim, chaos erupted with bursts of gunfire as crowds rushed the trucks.
Famine Conditions Worsen by the Day
The humanitarian situation is deteriorating fast. Hunger is now widespread, and famine looms large. Aid agencies warn that unless the volume and reach of humanitarian aid increases, the consequences will be catastrophic.
The WFP emphasized that aid deliveries have become extremely volatile.
“Border closures, hunger, and desperation are pushing people to risk everything for food,” the agency warned.
UAE Convoy Also Hit by Distribution Failures
The United Arab Emirates had recently arranged for 24 trucks to deliver food aid. However, only one of them reportedly reached its planned destination. The rest were either delayed or intercepted.
This highlights a larger issue: aid may be entering Gaza, but it’s not reaching those in need.
Deadly Clashes at Food Distribution Sites
Last week, tragedy struck during food distribution by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Tens of thousands of starving Palestinians gathered at two GHF sites. Chaos erupted, leaving 11 people dead and dozens injured, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
Controversial Aid Operations Under Scrutiny
GHF, a private aid group backed by Israel and the US, says it is scaling up its operations. On Saturday, the organization claimed to have distributed 30 truckloads of food — nearly 29,000 boxes — at its Rafah hub. This was the largest single-day distribution to date.
However, the UN and other aid groups have criticized GHF’s approach. They argue that it violates humanitarian principles and endangers civilians. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN’s Palestinian aid agency UNRWA, expressed deep concern.
Aid Delivery Falls Short of Critical Needs
Lazzarini revealed that 900 trucks had entered Gaza over the past two weeks. But that’s barely 10% of what’s needed. During the earlier ceasefire, Gaza received 600 to 800 aid trucks daily.
“The current mass starvation can be stopped,” Lazzarini said. “It takes political will.”
A Call for Immediate Action
The message from aid agencies is clear: food must reach Gaza’s starving population without delay. The looting of aid trucks reflects desperation — not lawlessness. Communities are simply trying to survive.
To prevent further chaos and death, humanitarian aid must flood Gaza. Coordination, security, and political resolve are urgently needed. The people of Gaza cannot wait any longer.
