Foreign Minister Israel Katz speaking to the press earlier this year (video clip)

UN's Humanitarian Chief Admits To Katz That Looting & Theft Is A Problem

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The Judean Staff
National

In a stormy meeting that could define the future of Gaza's humanitarian aid efforts, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, squared off with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag. The Times of Israel reported on Wednesday that tensions ran high as both sides exchanged stark warnings and admissions.

A Dire Warning from the UN

Israel's Channel 12 News revealed that Kaag cautioned Katz about the escalating chaos and crime in Gaza, hinting that Israel might soon face the humanitarian crisis alone. Her statements echoed what Israel has been claiming all along—that Hamas has been hijacking humanitarian supplies meant for Gaza’s suffering population. Yet, Kaag stopped short of directly blaming Hamas for the rampant disorder.

“If the situation doesn’t change, the UN won’t be able to continue operating in Gaza,” Kaag threatened, according to the report. Her words underscored a grim reality: the UN’s capacity to function in Gaza is teetering on the edge.

An Avalanche of Aid—Hijacked by Terror

Since the onset of Operation Iron Swords against Hamas terrorists in Gaza, an astounding 35,851 humanitarian aid trucks have been dispatched to the region, according to COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories). To visualize this, if these trucks were lined up end to end, they would stretch an impressive 819.95 kilometers—longer than the distance from Paris to Milan.

However, a significant portion of this aid remains stuck on the Gazan side of border crossings, undelivered due to the UN’s incapacity to distribute it. Katz pointed to over 1,000 truckloads of aid waiting to be distributed, while Kaag admitted that UN workers fear Gazan gangs and looters. The aid workers worry that the residents' anger could be directed toward them, leading to a potentially explosive situation.

The Battle Over Dual-Use Items

Kaag also requested that so-called dual-use items—goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes—be allowed into Gaza. Katz firmly rejected this, emphasizing Israel's stance that no such items should be allowed as long as Hamas continues to steal aid. “Considering Hamas’s actions, which you have essentially admitted, no goods that could be used to produce weapons will be allowed in until you can guarantee they won’t fall into terrorist hands,” Katz reportedly stated.

Famine-like Conditions and Blame Games

Aid groups have sounded the alarm, warning that famine-like conditions are emerging in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict. The issue of aid distribution has reached a critical juncture, with UN agencies and humanitarian organizations accusing Israel of not providing sufficient distribution outlets. This criticism is part of a broader narrative that places a unique double standard on Israel—demanding it not only defend its people but also ensure aid reaches the population of the very entity it is combating.

COGAT, however, has consistently argued that the onus is on the UN and aid agencies to enhance their distribution capabilities. They have highlighted the paradox of a conflict where the besieged nation is also tasked with the humanitarian responsibilities typically expected of the aggressor.

Egypt’s Reluctance and the Aid Pier Debacle

Adding to the complexity, Egypt has refused to allow aid through its Rafah Border Crossing since Israel took control of the Gaza side in early May. Despite sporadic attacks by Hamas, the Kerem Shalom Crossing from Israel remains operational, as do two newly opened crossings in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, a New York Times report on Tuesday disclosed that the $200 million aid pier built on the Gaza coast by the United States may be dismantled prematurely, having only been operational for a mere 10 days.

World Central Kitchen’s Efforts

In a glimmer of hope, the World Central Kitchen aid organization has maintained communication with COGAT and successfully supplied its kitchens in Gaza with aid. Yet, these efforts are but a drop in the ocean compared to the massive humanitarian needs of the region.

The showdown between Israel’s Katz and the UN’s Kaag highlights the intricate and often contentious dynamics of delivering aid in a conflict zone where humanitarian efforts are continually thwarted by terror and political machinations. The future of Gaza’s aid distribution hangs in the balance, with both sides standing firm on their positions, leaving the innocent civilians of Gaza caught in the crossfire.

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