Only 1,000 tonnes of the 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid shipped to Gaza from Cyprus have been distributed because of insecurity, US aid officials said, AFP reports.

The remaining 6,000 tonnes were on shore in secure conditions but have yet to be distributed because of an upsurge in violence and looting, officials said.

The maritime aid route has faced obstacles, including security concerns at a US military-built pier and the distribution of aid upon arrival.

“I have never seen a more challenging or complex environment for the humanitarian community to work,” said USAID’s Doug Stropes. “There is currently a security review on the lawlessness and gang activity,” he said, referring to information received from partners on the ground.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said that despite the challenges, the aid effort to Gaza would continue.

“There is a constant flow of vessels and sending to the other side,” he said. “There are of course certain challenges, challenges that relate to everything going on in Gaza, but we continue the effort.

“It is not going to be an easy task. We are, after all, operating in what is a war zone and we are doing everything we can in cooperation with our partners to ensure that this has an impact on the daily lives of people on the ground.”