The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) issued a grave warning on Thursday, highlighting the critical shortage of essential supplies in the Gaza Strip. This dire situation has unfolded following a complete blockade imposed by Israel on the territory in response to deadly attacks by Hamas.
Brian Lander, the deputy head of emergencies at WFP in Rome, emphasized the severity of the situation, saying, “It’s a dire situation in the Gaza Strip that we’re seeing evolve with food and water being in limited supply and quickly running out.” He went on to explain that while WFP is currently on the ground and providing food to thousands of people taking refuge in schools and other locations throughout the territory, their supplies are dwindling rapidly.
On Monday, Israel declared a comprehensive siege on Gaza, preventing the entry of food, fuel, and water into the coastal area, and closing all crossing points. This action was in response to the weekend rampage by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 people.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (IRCRC) also expressed concern on Thursday, stating that fuel for hospital generators in Gaza would soon be depleted. They added that their stocks of aid and medicine within Gaza remained stranded due to a lack of safe passage.
In addition to sealing the border, the Israeli military has launched extensive air attacks on the enclave, prompting hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes. Lander underscored the growing dire conditions faced by those seeking shelter and striving to survive in this environment.
He urged both Israel and Egypt to establish secure corridors that would enable WFP to deliver supplies to Gaza and ensure the safety of UN staff operating in the area. Lander emphasized the need for parties involved in the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law, especially concerning sites considered humanitarian, clinics, and schools that have been impacted by strikes.
The U.N. agency responsible for Palestinian refugees (UNWRA) reported that 11 of its staff members have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. Lander expressed condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
In normal circumstances, the U.N. agency provides direct food assistance to approximately 350,000 Palestinians each month, along with aid to nearly 1 million people in collaboration with other humanitarian partners through cash transfers. A 2023 report from U.N. agencies revealed that 58% of Gaza Strip residents required humanitarian assistance, with 29% of Gazan households living in extreme or catastrophic conditions, a significant increase from 10% in 2022.
