UN Food Aid Depleted in Gaza Amid Continuing Blockade

With the UN World Food Programme announcing the depletion of food supplies in Gaza due to an ongoing Israeli blockade, the humanitarian crisis worsens with skyrocketing prices and severe malnutrition among the population. Urgent calls for aid access are made as community kitchens struggle to sustain basic meal provisions.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has confirmed that it has run out of food stock in Gaza, where an Israeli blockade has restricted humanitarian aid for seven weeks. In a press statement, the WFP disclosed that their last food supplies were delivered to community kitchens which provide around one million meals a day, warning that these facilities are on the brink of running out of resources.

The blockade went into effect on March 2, following a two-month ceasefire that collapsed amid ongoing military operations. Israeli authorities maintain that the blockade is a necessary measure to pressure Hamas for the release of hostages still in captivity. However, the UN has reiterated that Israel has a legal obligation to facilitate the flow of supplies to the 2.1 million Palestinians residing in Gaza, while Israel counters, claiming compliance with international law.

Following the blockade, all bakeries supported by the WFP were compelled to close, leading to a total depletion of essential food rations for local families. Malnutrition rates are escalating dramatically, with recent reports indicating that over 80 cases of acute malnutrition were identified among children, marking a two-fold spike compared to prior weeks.

The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by serious shortages of medical supplies and equipment amid the ongoing bombardments that have left hospitals overwhelmed. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus labeled the situation in Gaza as “awful” and said the aid blockade must be lifted immediately to save lives.

According to the WFP, the current blockade is the longest Gaza has faced, with tolls on food prices soaring by up to 1,400% since the ceasefire ended. Vulnerable groups, including children under five and pregnant women, are increasingly at risk as essential commodities remain scarce.

The agency emphasized that without urgent measures to reopen Gaza's borders to aid, its operations might cease, significantly affecting food security. Over 116,000 tonnes of food assistance are currently ready at aid corridors, pending the reopening of border crossings by Israeli authorities.

Currently, community kitchens are attempting to function under dire conditions, serving only half of the required meal needs for the population. As supplies dwindle, reports emerge of desperation among families resorting to barter for food items or selling personal belongings. Begging has also increased significantly, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

The Israeli foreign ministry has dismissed external criticisms from nations like the UK, France, and Germany regarding the blockade, insisting that aid flows were adequate and monitored. It has rejected claims of an aid shortage, asserting that Hamas hampers the humanitarian efforts by diverting resources. Hamas, on the other hand, has denied such allegations and insists on its commitment to peace negotiations, reiterating its position of exchanging hostages for a complete cessation of Israeli military activities.

The Israeli military's campaign against Hamas commenced following a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties. Casualty figures continue to mount, raising alarms about the humanitarian situation within Gaza, which remains precarious and increasingly dire.