Gaza Food Crisis: The Struggle for Survival in the Midst of the Siege
According to the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, over 1.8 million people across the Gaza Strip are experiencing ‘high levels’ of acute food insecurity. Dec 2, 2024 Photo: EFE
December 2, 2024 Hour: 8:19 pm
The UN has warned that the deterioration of humanitarian conditions in Gaza has intensified since Israel began its military offensive in October, coupled with blockades that severely restrict the entry of humanitarian aid.
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The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has become increasingly critical, with the food crisis exacerbated by the protracted conflict and restrictions imposed by Israel.
This Sunday, about 40 trucks carrying more than 600 tons of flour entered the southern part of the enclave, according to the Israeli army. This aid, aimed at supporting bakeries run by the World Food Programme (WFP), comes at a time when people are facing desperate conditions of scarcity.
The Kerem Shalom crossing, where the delivery was made, has been subject to constant security inspections, which have led many humanitarian organizations to denounce bureaucratic obstacles to the entry of aid. These delays have had devastating consequences for the people of Gaza, who struggle to access basic food.
The situation became even more tragic on Saturday when two girls and a woman were reported dead in Deir al-Balah. The victims died suffocated in an anxious crowd trying to access scarce supplies at a local bakery. This incident highlights the despair and chaos that reign in an enclave where people are forced to fight for every crumb of food.
The UN has warned that the deterioration of humanitarian conditions in Gaza has intensified since Israel began its military offensive in October, coupled with blockades that severely restrict the entry of humanitarian aid.
In this context, the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) announced the suspension of aid entry through the Kerem Shalom crossing, citing security concerns following looting of its convoys.
In this situation, Hamas has urged UNRWA to increase the flow of humanitarian aid through other “safer” corridors, holding Israel responsible for the negative repercussions of this suspension.
Despite efforts to alleviate the crisis, last month marked the lowest number of aid trucks entering Gaza since the beginning of the conflict, with only 1,298 trucks registered. In November, although a slight increase was observed with 1,751 trucks, this figure remains alarmingly low.
The food crisis in Gaza reflects the human suffering caused by years of conflict and blockade. The international community must urgently pay attention to this situation and work to facilitate access to life-saving humanitarian aid in the Palestinian enclave. The struggle for survival continues as millions face an uncertain and bleak future.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: EFE
