However, he warned that while humanitarian aid is an important step, it is not enough to address the enormous needs facing the population.

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Gaza Under Siege: A Humanitarian Catastrophe Amidst Ongoing Violence

The World Food Program (WFP) has intensified its humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip, sending over 15,000 tons of food since the ceasefire began on January 19. This assistance has benefited more than half a million people who have suffered the devastating consequences of 16 months of conflict.

Carl Skau, WFP’s Deputy Executive Director, who visited the region for two days, reported that “food packages, hot meals, and cash assistance” have been distributed to over 525,000 Palestinians. He also highlighted that the organization operates 22 bakeries in Gaza, providing flour and fuel to support the population.

During his visit, Skau observed a palpable sense of relief among families who managed to reunite for a meal. However, he warned that while humanitarian aid is an important step, it is not enough to address the enormous needs facing the population. “The scale of needs is enormous, and we must maintain progress,” he emphasized.

The WFP executive stressed the importance of continuing the ceasefire and working in critical areas beyond food, such as access to clean water, sanitation, housing, and reintegrating children into school. “We cannot turn back,” he stated, urging the international community to collaborate on the self-sufficiency of Gaza’s inhabitants.

Skau also highlighted the urgent need to increase resilience against hunger and called for more funding to achieve this. He underscored the importance of restoring commercial markets and local food systems, covering everything from agriculture to fishing, as an integral part of the recovery and reconstruction process in Gaza.

Through these efforts, the WFP aims not only to meet immediate needs but also to lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future for the inhabitants of the Strip.

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