Desperation and Breakdown of Public Order in Gaza Strip as UNRWA Reports Thousands Breaking into Aid Warehouses

On Sunday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported that thousands of people had broken into aid warehouses in the Gaza Strip to take flour and basic hygiene products. This comes as a sign of the growing desperation and breakdown of public order in the region, three weeks into the war between Israel and Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers.

The bombardment, described by Gaza residents as the most intense of the war, has largely cut off the besieged enclave’s 2.3 million people from the world. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a “second stage” in the war, which was ignited by Hamas’ brutal incursion into Israel on October 7th.

Since then, tanks and infantry have pushed into Gaza, while Israel has also pounded the territory from air, land and sea. The UNRWA has expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in the region, and has called for an immediate ceasefire to allow for the delivery of aid to those in need.

The UNRWA has also urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The agency has also called on the international community to take action to protect civilians and to ensure that aid is delivered to those in need.