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In the latest chapter of Gaza's humanitarian crisis, desperate civilians have swarmed aid trucks in a frantic bid to secure food, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Hunger and desperation have led to chaotic scenes as people attempt to feed their families. The WFP reported that 77 trucks loaded with flour had entered Gaza overnight and early Saturday. However, these trucks were intercepted by throngs of civilians, eager to seize their contents.

Given the slim chance of aid convoys reaching warehouses, the WFP decided to permit people to take aid directly when faced with crowds, WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa told the BBC. Despite Israel easing an 11-week aid blockade on May 19, the United Nations claims that the supplies sent in the past week meet just over 10% of the population's needs.

The rush for aid on Saturday involved civilians notified of the incoming food—most were those too desperate to wait for formal distribution points, Etefa explained. The WFP strategically planned delivery routes closer to populated areas and away from potential gangs. Nevertheless, workers were unable to enforce the one-bag-per-person limit as people rushed to grab whatever they could. "After nearly 80 days of a total blockade, starving people will not let a food truck pass," the WFP stated.

An alarming UN-backed assessment indicates that Gaza's entire population is at critical risk of famine. Etefa remarked that two million people are in dire need of food. Although aid distribution has resumed post-blockade, it is far from the scale needed to stabilize the situation and curb the chaos.

Israel maintains the blockade was imposed to pressure Hamas to release hostages, approximately 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Philippe Lazzarini, Chief of the UN Palestinian refugee agency, criticized the slow pace of aid distribution, stating that the 900 trucks sent into Gaza this week were insufficient, meeting just over 10% of daily needs. "The aid that's being sent now makes a mockery to the mass tragedy unfolding under our watch," Lazzarini posted on social media platform X.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military agency, Cogat, has accused the UN of not distributing aid already inside Gaza, claiming that aid would reach more people if the UN collected it from crossing points. Jonathan Whittall from the UN humanitarian office pointed to escalating insecurity, inappropriate routes, delays in movement approvals, and the presence of desperate crowds as challenges in distributing aid.

Separately, a US and Israel-backed organization has distributed food at designated sites across Gaza. This plan was initiated after accusations that Hamas was diverting aid; charges the group denies. While the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation claims to have distributed two million meals this week, the BBC has not independently verified this figure. Incidents at these distribution sites have also been chaotic.

Adding to the chaos, Israeli air strikes continue unabated. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that they had targeted "dozens of terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip" in the past 24 hours. The Gaza health ministry, run by Hamas, reported that 60 people were killed in these military operations over that period.

Hospital conditions in Gaza remain dire. Christos Georgalas, a Greek surgeon who worked at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis until May 21, recounted that children were the primary victims of trauma and malnutrition. Malnutrition is exacerbating the crisis by hindering the healing process and increasing infection risks. Hospital staff, who have resorted to eating only rice, are facing extreme conditions; many have not been paid for a year, and some have even lost significant amounts of weight.

Surgeon Georgalas highlighted the relentless work ethic of healthcare workers who continue to serve despite the overwhelming odds. Since his departure, his colleague has informed him that the ICU remains in a state of constant overload, necessitating the rationing of care.