The World Food Programme (WFP) announced it has run out of food supplies in Gaza, marking a critical humanitarian crisis 54 days after Israel imposed a total blockade on the region. With this blockade halting humanitarian aid and commercial goods since March 2, WFP became the primary source of hot meals, providing vital support to the besieged population. Currently, only smaller organizations like the World Central Kitchen continue to offer some assistance, but they are struggling with limited resources.
The situation in Gaza has drastically worsened with no supplies entering the enclave, leaving over 2 million residents at acute risk of starvation and disease. The blockade is said to be the longest in Gaza’s history, jeopardizing fragile food systems and causing both food prices and malnutrition rates to soar. Reports indicate a significant rise in acute malnutrition among children, highlighting the dire need for immediate aid.
Criticism of Israel’s blockade has intensified, with accusations that it constitutes a method of warfare against civilians, potentially violating international humanitarian law. Israeli officials maintain that there is no aid shortage and argue that the blockade is necessary to diminish Hamas’s influence. Meanwhile, WFP shared footage of empty warehouses and long lines of children seeking meals, emphasizing the dire conditions on the ground.
Global calls for action from international NGOs and governments have escalated, urging Israel to allow a rapid flow of humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians. The situation is dire, with widespread warnings of famine conditions arising as critical supplies dwindle, affecting the most vulnerable, including children and the elderly.
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