The WFP Warns of Impending Crisis in Gaza
The World Food Program (WFP) is sounding the alarm as its food stocks in Gaza are projected to last only two weeks due to an Israeli aid blockade. The situation has caused food prices to skyrocket and community kitchens to run out of supplies after the Israeli Prime Minister decided to halt aid shipments. Israel has accused Hamas of stealing supplies and rejected a US proposal to extend the ceasefire between the two parties.
Israel’s cutoff of essential supplies to Gaza’s 2 million residents has led to a sharp increase in prices and put humanitarian organizations under immense pressure to distribute rapidly depleting stocks to those in need. The aid freeze has jeopardized the progress made in preventing famine over the past six weeks during Phase 1 of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
After enduring more than 16 months of conflict, Gaza’s population relies entirely on aid deliveries for food, shelter, and medical supplies. The blockade has not only disrupted aid distribution but also essential services like hospitals, water pumps, and bakeries that rely on fuel to operate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to intensify pressure on Hamas, including the possibility of cutting off electricity to Gaza if the group does not comply with demands. Human rights groups have condemned the blockade as a “starvation policy” that puts innocent civilians at risk.
The World Food Program has voiced concerns over the lack of food stockpiles in Gaza, as existing supplies are only sufficient to sustain essential services for a mere two weeks. The Norwegian Refugee Council has also highlighted the shortage of shelter materials in the region, leading to tragic consequences such as infants dying from exposure due to inadequate resources.
The dire situation in Gaza underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict and a renewed commitment to humanitarian assistance for the vulnerable population.
(Source: Associated Press and other news agencies)
