Allegations of Israeli Support for Looters During Gaza Conflict

Jean-Pierre Filiu, a historian and professor of Middle East studies at Sciences Po in France, has presented compelling evidence suggesting that Israeli forces supported looters who attacked humanitarian aid convoys in Gaza during the recent conflict. Filiu spent over a month in Gaza, where he documented incidents of violence against aid efforts, particularly during a time when famine threatened many residents. His observations, detailed in his book *A Historian in Gaza*, describe how Israeli military actions targeted local security personnel assigned to protect these convoys.

The Guardian

Filiu recounts a specific incident involving a UN convoy of 66 trucks carrying essential supplies that came under fire shortly after departing from the Israeli checkpoint at Kerem Shalom. He claims that Israeli quadcopters were seen aiding the looters in their attacks against local security teams, resulting in the theft of twenty trucks. This incident occurred in al-Mawasi, a region designated as a humanitarian zone.

The Guardian

In response to Filiu's allegations, Israeli officials have categorically denied any involvement in supporting looters. A military spokesperson stated that the Israeli Air Force conducted a precise strike on armed individuals planning to hijack humanitarian aid. Furthermore, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel had provided assistance to the Popular Forces, an anti-Hamas militia that included many looters among its ranks.

The Guardian

Filiu's claims align with concerns raised by some UN officials, who noted a pattern of "passive, if not active benevolence" from Israel towards gangs responsible for looting. He also criticized Israeli forces for bombing alternative routes established by international aid organizations to circumvent looting hotspots, asserting that these actions were deliberate attempts to obstruct humanitarian efforts.

The Guardian

Filiu warns that the ongoing conflict in Gaza represents a significant shift in global humanitarian norms, describing it as a "laboratory of a post-UN world." He argues that the situation reflects a broader disregard for human rights and international law, characterizing it as a "universal tragedy." His observations highlight the complex dynamics at play, where local populations are caught between the actions of militant groups like Hamas and the military strategies employed by Israel.

The Guardian

While Filiu acknowledges the role of Hamas in the conflict, he emphasizes that the group is deeply unpopular among Gazans, who are acutely aware of its oppressive governance. He argues that Israel's military operations lacked a corresponding political strategy to win the support of the local population, which could have mitigated the conflict's severity.

The Guardian

• “And it was very clear that Israeli quadcopters were supporting the looters in attacking the local security [teams],” Filiu writes.” — Jean-Pierre Filiu, Historian

The Guardian

• “The [Israeli] rationale [was] to discredit Hamas and the UN at that time …” — Jean-Pierre Filiu, Historian

The Guardian

There are discrepancies between Filiu's account and the Israeli military's narrative regarding the events surrounding the aid convoys. While Filiu asserts that Israeli forces actively supported looters, the Israeli military maintains that their actions were aimed at combating armed threats to humanitarian efforts. Further investigation into these claims is necessary to clarify the situation on the ground.

The Guardian