The World Food Program (WFP) has announced that its food stocks in the Gaza Strip have run out under Israel’s nearly 8-week-old blockade, leaving hundreds of thousands of Palestinians without a main source of sustenance. The WFP delivered its last shipment to charity kitchens it supports around Gaza, which are expected to run out of food in the coming days.
About 80% of Gaza’s population of over 2 million relies on these kitchens for food, as other sources have been shut down under the blockade. The WFP has been supporting 47 kitchens that distribute 644,000 hot meals a day. However, it is unclear how many kitchens will still be operating if those shut down.
The Israeli blockade, which began on March 2, aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages it still holds. Rights groups have described the blockade as a “starvation tactic” and potential war crime. Humanitarian workers deny significant diversion of aid for Hamas’s purposes, but say the current supply is barely enough to cover immense needs.
As a result, many food items are scarce, including meat, eggs, fruits, dairy products, and vegetables. Prices have risen dramatically, making these goods unaffordable for most families. The WFP estimates that 3,700 children in Gaza are suffering from acute malnutrition, an increase of 80% from the previous month.
A US charity, World Central Kitchen, has also reported a shortage of proteins and is relying on canned vegetables to make stews. Other aid groups face similar challenges due to dwindling supplies. The WFP suggests that 116,000 tons of food are ready to be brought into Gaza if Israel opens its borders, enough to feed 1 million people for four months.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-blockade-food-e492a5ba3197b15b1599747e3cde12b2