ALBAWABA - Following the looting of 23 UAE charity vehicles in Israeli military-controlled parts of Gaza, the United Arab Emirates has accused Israeli soldiers of failing to secure humanitarian assistance convoys. Concerns have been raised by the occurrence over the safety of assistance efforts and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
The UAE-led humanitarian initiative "Gallant Knight 3" reported in a statement released on Saturday that many trucks carrying flour and other necessary bakery supplies had entered Gaza on Wednesday, providing some short-term optimism for the resumption of bakery operations across the war-torn region. Only 24 of the 103 assistance trucks that were supposed to arrive were permitted access, and only one of those vehicles was able to transfer its cargo to the appropriate warehouses.
The operation blamed the failure on the Israeli army's insistence on risky delivery routes, which left the relief convoys vulnerable to robbery and pillage inside what it called a "red zone"—an area that is completely under Israeli military control. Due to the loss of most of the cargo, Gazans were deprived of critically needed food supplies.
The scenario was seen as a purposeful impediment to humanitarian activities, and "Gallant Knight 3" denounced the thievery. According to the mission, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza might worsen if 2.3 million residents are denied access to food and assistance.
To guarantee that assistance reaches its intended destinations without hindrance or delay, the UAE urged the international community and pertinent parties to step in right away and create safe and secure humanitarian corridors.
The UAE reaffirmed its steadfast support for the Palestinian people in spite of the setback, saying that the "Gallant Knight 3" mission would keep working to provide Gaza with urgent aid.
As relief organizations grapple with logistical and security issues in the face of ongoing fighting, the event heightens worries about the safety of humanitarian activities in the area.
