Societal breakdown in the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas war

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During the Israel-Hamas war, societal and institutional breakdown occurred across the Gaza Strip caused by continual military assaults by the Israeli Defense Forces on Palestinian law enforcement institutions as well as widespread starvation, famine, and lack of essential supplies created by the conflict and blockade of the Gaza Strip. Due to significant destabilization caused by military conflict and the ongoing Gaza humanitarian crisis, the United Nations reported in July 2024 that significant increases in looting, killing of law enforcement and humanitarian workers expanded across the Gaza Strip, and were emblematic of greater societal breakdown and spreading "anarchy" throughout the enclave. [1] [2]

Contents

Background

Following the 7 October attack, Israel announced on 9 October that it was blocking the entry of food into Gaza. [3] [4] The blockage, according to the Israeli government, is aimed to neutralize Hamas as a security threat, including preventing military resources from being smuggled under the guise of humanitarian aid. Because Gaza was already mostly reliant on food aid, the repercussions were felt immediately. [5]

In late June 2024, a leaked UN document said that 95% of the population of Gaza were in food insecurity, while almost 500,000 were facing near-famine hunger. The report found famine remained a possibility throughout the entirety of the Gaza Strip, and that the risk was "as high" as at any other time during the conflict. [6] [7] The UN stated one in five households went entire days without eating. [8]

Conflict and humanitarian researchers stated that the collapse of Gazan social order was a deliberate consequence of Israeli military destabilization to force life to be "unbearable" for its citizens. [9]

Societal breakdown

On 19 June 2024, The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported the expansion and escalation of "anarchy" throughout the Gaza Strip as a result of the humanitarian crisis caused by the war, leading to documented "rampant looting, unlawful killings and shootings" of "local police and humanitarian workers". The head of the agency's Gaza and West Bank Ajith Sunghay stated that the significant increase in lawlessness was a result of "Israel's dismantling of local capacity to maintain public order and safety in Gaza". [1] The agency further reported on multiple instances of "mob justice, extortion of money, family disputes, random shootings, fighting for space and resources", and "youths armed with sticks manning barricades". [10]

Looting

The blockade and resulting lack of essential goods resulted in several instances of desperate citizens looting aid trucks. Many large families armed themselves with light weapons to facilitate raids on humanitarian convoys, blocking law enforcement from preventing looting. The lack of formal police protection led to many humanitarian truck drivers signing informal deals with armed citizens to protect their cargo from looting. [9]

In December 2023, several knife-wielding masked individuals raided a UNRWA flour distribution site at the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in Rafah, causing police to shoot at and kill one of the attackers. The victim's family blocked streets and set tires on fire in Rafah in retaliation, before attacking the UNRWA flour distribution cite and a police station. [9]

In February 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that lawlessness in Gaza was hindering aid efforts. [11] Axios reported that armed gangs have been attacking and looting aid trucks since Hamas police have quit due to Israeli attacks. [12] A Palestine Red Crescent Society spokesman stated that the civil disorder "contributed to around a 50 percent decrease in the total number of aid trucks entering Gaza in February" and an Egyptian aid truck driver described people climbing and smashing aid trucks. [13] [14] In the middle of February, a Bedouin boy was shot during a confrontation where several citizens raided an aid truck to take its cargo. Dozens of the boy's family members retaliated by storming the Rafah Border crossing courtyard and setting car tires on fire. [9]

Several countries including the United States initiated airdrops of humanitarian aid and food to mitigate famine, which resulted in several confrontations between desperate citizens trying to gather aid from the boxes in addition to several fatal injuries caused by falling aid boxes. Salama Marouf, the head of Gaza’s media office, characterized the air drops as "humiliating and demeaning". [9]

In June, The New York Times reported that relief groups had stopped delivering aid to southern Gaza due to looting and attacks from armed gangs, with aid trucks being peppered by bullet holes on supply routes. Both commercial and aid agencies decided that they could not risk employees’ lives. One aid worker described the daily attacks from armed criminal gangs in the Israel-Gaza border area as being coordinated and organized. The worker said that sometimes the aid truck drivers were beaten. [15] AP News spoke with an UN official who described thousands of aid trucks piled up, armed groups regularly obstructing convoys, and drivers being held at gunpoint. [16] A worker at a Palestinian trucking company said that aid was spoiling in the hot weather. To try to make up for the aid deficiency, Israel allowed more commercial trucks into Gaza from Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which unlike UN convoys, usually travel with armed protection. One Gazan businessman said that in the past he paid thousands of dollars to other Gazans to protect his trucks. [15] An Al-Azhar University associate professor of political science said the lawlessness resulted from increasing desperation and the resulting power vacuum left from Hamas' decreasing power over Gaza. [16]

In late June, the UN warned that it would suspend aid operations in Gaza unless Israel increased efforts to protect humanitarian workers. A State Department spokesman said that in June, looting and other criminal attacks were the largest barriers to delivering aid, rather than Israeli strikes or Hamas’ commandeering of aid convoys. [17] In July, the UN said that they would be bringing in more personal safety equipment and armored vehicles following approval from Israeli officials. [18]

Law enforcement

Due to persistent attacks on law enforcement by Israeli troops, the majority of Gaza's police force stopped wearing uniforms to avoid being targeted, leading to greater instances of lawlessness due to the apparent lack of police presence in many areas. [9]

Stabilization efforts

Several initiatives arose to try and maintain order in regions where Hamas withdrew, some of whom cooperated with Israeli occupation forces. Law enforcement shifted to more "improvisational" strategies towards resolving interpersonal issues between citizens, regulating traffic, and keeping the peace at markets and public spaces. Law enforcement also implemented strategies to improve effective humanitarian aid distribution such as assisting distribution, fielding off looters or desperate citizens, and working to prevent rapid price increases for market goods. Large families assisted with food and aid distribution in collaboration with aid convoys. [9]

Several Palestinian factions hosted by Hamas, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and Palestinian Islamic Jihad worked with regional clans and families to create protection committees to maintain security, help with regulating markets, preventing overcrowding around aid trucks, and preventing looting or uncoordinated aid delivery. Many members of these committed were masked men armed with heavy sticks or automatic firearms, with some committees including children on active duty. [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gaza Strip</span> Self-governing Palestinian territory next to Egypt and Israel

The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a small, densely populated territory located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is the smaller of the two Palestinian territories. Gaza is bordered by Egypt on the southwest and Israel on the east and north.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gaza–Israel barrier</span> Border barrier between the Palestinian Gaza Strip and Israel

The Gaza–Israel barrier is a border barrier located on the Israeli side of the Gaza–Israel border. Before the 2023-24 Israel-Hamas war, the Erez Crossing, in the north of the Gaza Strip, used to be the only crossing point for people and goods coming from Israel into the Gaza Strip, with a second crossing point, the Kerem Shalom border crossing, used exclusively for goods coming from Egypt, as Israel didn't allow goods to go directly from Egypt into Gaza through the Egypt–Gaza border, except for the Salah Al Din Gate, opened in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rafah Border Crossing</span> Egypt–Palestine border crossing

The Rafah Border Crossing or Rafah Crossing Point is the sole crossing point between Egypt and Palestine's Gaza Strip. It is located on the Egypt–Palestine border. Under a 2007 agreement between Egypt and Israel, Egypt controls the crossing but imports through the Rafah crossing require Israeli approval.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erez Crossing</span> Border crossing on the northern end of the Gaza Strip

The Erez Crossing, also known as the Beit Hanoun Crossing, is a border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel. It is located at the northern end of the Gaza Strip, between the Israeli kibbutz of Erez and the Palestinian town of Beit Hanoun.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 breach of the Egypt–Gaza border</span> Explosion set off by Hamas militants

On 23 January 2008, Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip set off an explosion near the Rafah border crossing, destroying part of the 2003 wall. The United Nations estimates that as many as half the 1.5 million population of the Gaza Strip crossed the border into Egypt seeking food and supplies. Due to fears that militants would acquire weapons in Egypt, Israeli police went on increased alert.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blockade of the Gaza Strip</span> 2005–present land, sea and air blockade by Israel and Egypt

A blockade has been imposed on the movement of goods and people in and out of the Gaza Strip since Hamas's takeover in 2007, led by Israel and supported by Egypt. The blockade's current stated aim is to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza; previously stated motivations have included exerting economic pressure on Hamas. Human rights groups have called the blockade illegal and a form of collective punishment, as it restricts the flow of essential goods, contributes to economic hardship, and limits Gazans' freedom of movement. The blockade and its effects have led to the territory being called an "open-air prison".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gaza War (2008–2009)</span> Armed conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip

The Gaza War, also known as Operation Cast Lead, also known as the Gaza Massacre, and referred to as the Battle of al-Furqan by Hamas, was a three-week armed conflict between Gaza Strip Palestinian paramilitary groups and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that began on 27 December 2008 and ended on 18 January 2009 with a unilateral ceasefire. The conflict resulted in 1,166–1,417 Palestinian and 13 Israeli deaths. Over 46,000 homes were destroyed in Gaza, making more than 100,000 people homeless.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008–2009 Gaza Strip aid</span>

Following the 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict, an international conference took place on 2 March 2009 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, where donor countries and international bodies pledged almost US$4.5 billion for humanitarian and reconstruction aid for the Gaza Strip. These funds bypassed Hamas, with the PA in collaboration with the donor community taking the lead in delivering and distributing the funds. Damage from the Israeli offensive was estimated to be almost $2 billion. However, actual transfers of aid had been beset by difficulties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Egypt–Palestine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Egypt–Palestine relations are the bilateral relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Palestine. Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser was a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and he favored self-determination for the Palestinians. Although the Egyptian government has maintained a good relationship with Israel since the Camp David Accords, most Egyptians strongly resent Israel, and disapprove of the close relationship between the Israeli and Egyptian governments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel–Hamas war</span> Ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East

An armed conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups has been taking place chiefly in the Gaza Strip since 7 October 2023. The fifth war of the Gaza–Israel conflict since 2008, it has been the deadliest for Palestinians in the entire Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and the most significant military engagement in the region since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip</span>

On 9 October 2023, Israel intensified the blockade of the Gaza Strip after the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and the ensuing Israel–Hamas war. Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a "total blockade", blocking the entry of food, water, medicine, fuel and electricity. Egypt who controls Rafah Border Crossing has supported the blockade by not allowing Palestinians to enter Egypt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip</span> Israeli military operation

The Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip is a major part of the Israel–Hamas war. Starting on October 7, 2023, immediately after the Hamas-led attacks, Israel began the bombing of Gaza Strip; on October 13, Israel began ground operations in Gaza and on October 27 full-scale invasion was launched. Israel's campaign, called Operation Swords of Iron, has two stated goals: to destroy Hamas and to free the hostages. More than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the Israeli operation began, including more than 7,800 children and 4,900 women, with another 10,000 people missing and presumed dead under the rubble of destroyed buildings. There are allegations that Israel has committed war crimes and genocide during the invasion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gaza Strip evacuations</span> State-ordered displacement

During the Israel–Hamas war, the Israeli military ordered most residents of Gaza to evacuate their homes, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and contributing to a broader humanitarian crisis in the territory. It is the largest displacement of Palestinians in 75 years. 90 percent of Gaza's population has been displaced at least once since October 2023. Palestinians have described the evacuation as the "second Nakba."

Events of the year 2024 in Israel.

Events in 2024 in the Palestinian territories.

The population of the Gaza Strip is facing starvation and famine as a result of Israeli airstrikes during the Israel–Hamas war and an Israeli blockade, including of basic essentials and humanitarian aid. Airstrikes have destroyed food infrastructure, such as bakeries, mills, and food stores, and there is a widespread scarcity of essential supplies due to the blockade of aid. A survey in May 2024 suggested 85% of children under five in Gaza spent entire days without food. This situation has caused starvation for more than half a million Gazans and is part of a broader humanitarian crisis in the Strip. Describing an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report in March, António Guterres said it was the "highest number of people facing catastrophic hunger" recorded on the IPC scale since its inception in 2004. Leading famine scholar Alex de Waal said in March that we "are about to witness" the most intense man-made famine since the Second World War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rafah offensive</span> Ongoing Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip

On 6 May 2024, Israel began a military offensive in and around the city of Rafah as part of its invasion of the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas war.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Humanitarian aid during the Israel–Hamas war</span> Israel–Hamas war 2023

During the Israel–Hamas war, humanitarian aid entered into the Gaza Strip via air, land and sea. Early in the war, significant issues arose with humanitarian aid. Israel's initial blockade on Gaza, immediately following the October 7 attacks, prevented the entry of humanitarian aid for several weeks. As the war progressed, aid was allowed at limited quantities. Entities such as Oxfam, the European Union, United Kingdom, and United Nations stated that Israel is deliberately blocking humanitarian aid. These limitations have contributed to a severe humanitarian crisis and a risk of famine. Israeli airstrikes and continued restrictions on aid entry led to widespread shortages of food and supplies. Distribution of aid within Gaza has also been an issue, as police have refused to protect aid convoy after airstrikes killed eight police in Rafah. Humanitarian aid agencies warned of the dire humanitarian consequences of aid restrictions, particularly after major Western donors announced they would cease funding UNRWA, the major aid relief agency in Gaza.

The flour massacre occurred in the Gaza Strip on 29 February 2024, when at least 118 Palestinians were killed and 760 injured after Israeli forces opened fire while they were seeking food from aid trucks on the coastal Al-Rashid Street in Gaza City. The incident was the deadliest mass casualty event to have taken place in the Gaza Strip since the start of Israel's operation during the Israel–Hamas war, and took place a day after the World Food Programme reported that more than half a million Palestinians were at risk of famine in Gaza.

In March 2024, during the Israel–Hamas war, civilians seeking humanitarian aid were attacked at the Kuwait Roundabout near Gaza City. According to the Gaza’s health ministry, 20 Gazans were killed and 155 were wounded. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to the accusations saying they did not open in fire at the convoy, claiming that armed militants fired against the Gazan civilians while waiting for the aid convoy to arrive.

References

  1. 1 2 "UN rights office says 'anarchy' spreading in Gaza". Reuters. 19 July 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  2. ↑ Sunghay, Ajith (19 July 2024). "Observations from Gaza by Head of UN Human Rights office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory Ajith Sunghay". UN Human Rights Office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  3. ↑ "Gaza 'soon without fuel, medicine and food'". BBC News . 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  4. ↑ Raine, Andrew; Lau, Chris; Berlinger, Joshua; Sangal, Aditi; Poole, Thom; Meyer, Matt (7 October 2023). "Israel-Gaza conflict erupts into fighting after attack by Palestinian militants". CNN. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  5. ↑ Bodkin, Henry (20 November 2023). "Hamas used food aid sacks to smuggle bullets into Gaza, claims Israel". The Telegraph. ISSN   0307-1235. Archived from the original on 21 March 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  6. ↑ Hansler, Jennifer (25 June 2024). "Gaza population at risk of famine as it continues to face emergency levels of hunger, report finds". CNN. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  7. ↑ Batrawy, Aya. "High risk of famine across Gaza as hunger spreads, experts say". NPR. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  8. ↑ "New famine alert for Gaza where families go days without food". United Nations. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Bashir, Mahmoud (12 June 2024). "Gaza's social collapse: Popular committees step up". Mada Masr. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  10. ↑ "Renewed wave of deadly Israeli strikes on Gaza must stop – UN Human Rights Office". Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. 19 July 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  11. ↑ Cloud, David (February 27, 2024). "As Israel Drives Out Hamas, Lawlessness Hampers Gaza Aid Efforts". The Wall Street Journal .
  12. ↑ Ravid, Barak (Feb 29, 2024). "Dozens of Palestinians killed in incident around Gaza aid convoy". Axios . Archived from the original on 4 March 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  13. ↑ Le Masurier, Jessica. "'Flour massacre': Aid delivery turns deadly in Gaza as UN warns famine 'almost inevitable'". www.msn.com. Archived from the original on 25 April 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  14. ↑ Le Masurier, Jessica; Khaled, Fatma (March 2024). "'Flour Massacre': Lifesaving Aid Becomes a Deadly Struggle in Gaza". PassBlue. Archived from the original on 2 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  15. 1 2 Yee, Vivian; Boxerman, Aaron (2024-06-19). "Anarchy Hinders Gaza Aid Efforts, Despite Daily Combat Pause". The New York Times . ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  16. 1 2 "Israel's pledge to guard an aid route into Gaza falls flat as lawlessness blocks distribution". AP News. 2024-06-20. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  17. ↑ "UN tells Israel it will suspend aid operations across Gaza without improved safety". AP News . 25 June 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  18. ↑ Nichols, Michelle (July 15, 2024). "Israel allows UN to bring in more equipment amid Gaza lawlessness". Reuters .
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