Israeli Customs Rule Halts Key Food Aid to Gaza

New regulations and reduced commercial shipments are exacerbating food shortages in the war-torn territory.

Humanitarian aid to Gaza has sharply decreased due to a new Israeli customs rule requiring detailed forms from relief organizations.
The rule affects U.N.-chartered convoys from Jordan, a crucial supply route, which has been suspended for two weeks.
Relief agencies are concerned the new requirements could legally implicate their staff if aid reaches Hamas.
Commercial food shipments have also been restricted, falling from an average of 140 trucks in July to 80 in September.
The decrease in aid and commercial imports has raised fears of worsening food insecurity for Gaza's 2.3 million residents.