The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered its last remaining food stocks to hot meals kitchens in the Gaza Strip, leaving millions at risk of starvation. The situation on the ground is dire, with people running out of ways to cope and aid agencies warning of a humanitarian crisis.
Gaza’s population of 2.1 million faces a crisis of starvation, disease, and despair due to the Israeli blockade, which has prevented critical medical supplies and fuel from entering the territory. Food prices have increased by 29% to 1400% above pre-ceasefire levels, making essential items scarce.
Children are bearing the brunt of this man-made disaster, with hospital admissions for acute malnutrition surging in recent months. Aid agencies say families are going hungry, suffering to provide food for their children, and prices have doubled.
The blockade has also prevented critical medical supplies and fuel from entering Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised “pressure on Hamas will continue.” The situation inside Gaza’s hospitals is dire, with the World Health Organization warning that Gaza is currently at the fifth degree of starvation – the worst on the global scale.
UNRWA staff continue to provide essential services, including 2,600 cubic meters of water and 220 tons of waste daily. However, the agency insists that “nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people” and calls for a renewed ceasefire, dignified release of hostages, and unimpeded access for humanitarian and commercial supplies.
The UN has called for the end of the blockade, warning that the total blockage of aid and any other supplies has led to the depletion of essentials such as fresh food and tents. It is time to lift those restrictions immediately to prevent further suffering.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/malnutrition-gaza-worsens-israeli-blockade-supplies-passes-50/story?id=121147278