Gaza: The Palestinian government in the Gaza Strip announced that most of the 36 aid trucks permitted entry by Israel on Friday were looted in the midst of security chaos, which they claim was intentionally instigated by Israel.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Gaza Government Media Office has accused Israel of implementing a 'policy of chaos and starvation' targeting Gaza. They allege that the looting and theft of these trucks form part of a 'systematic destruction plan' intended to push the territory's residents into hunger.

Last week, the UN World Food Program (WFP) highlighted that one-third of Gaza's population had been without food for multiple consecutive days due to the ongoing Israeli siege. The WFP further estimates that one in four Palestinians in Gaza is facing famine-like conditions, with 100,000 women and children experiencing acute malnutrition.

Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza for 18 years and, since March 2, has closed all border crossings, hindering the entry of humanitarian aid and exacerbating the already severe conditions in the enclave. Palestinian officials have stated that a minimum of 600 aid trucks daily is necessary to meet the needs of the enclave's 2.4 million residents.

The Israeli army has been conducting an aggressive offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of more than 60,300 Palestinians. The ongoing bombardment has severely impacted the enclave and contributed to increasing food shortages.