Gaza police battle gang members accused of stealing humanitarian aid

At least 20 gang members accused of stealing humanitarian aid were killed in clashes with Gaza’s police forces on Monday, the Palestinian enclave’s interior ministry said.

In recent weeks, armed men have descended on aid convoys entering southern Gaza, severely hampering relief efforts and leaving Palestinians hungry.

The looting has "severely impacted society and led to signs of famine in southern Gaza”, according to the ministry, which said the police operation was done "in cooperation with tribal committees” and "will not be the last”.

Residents of southern Gaza described the gangs, who appear to operate with implicit Israeli backing, as making their already difficult situation all the more nightmarish.

Ever since the Israeli military shut down Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt, Israel has had complete control over what can enter or leave the besieged enclave.

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