WFP stresses need for increased food deliveries in Gaza amid ongoing crisis

The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning about the escalating starvation crisis in Gaza, as aid access remains severely restricted. During a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the urgent need for improved conditions and the opening of all entry points to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies.

Currently, the WFP is calling for a minimum of 100 trucks of food to enter Gaza daily, with at least half of that amount directed to the northern regions. This is deemed crucial to alleviate the dire situation and reduce desperation among the population. However, officials acknowledged that even this level of aid is insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs of the people in Gaza.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that local bakeries remain closed due to safety concerns amid rising desperation. Bakery owners have expressed reluctance to reopen without a significant reduction in tensions, fearing chaos during food distributions.

In addition to the quantity of food, there are pressing concerns about the quality of aid being delivered. Initially, the WFP was limited to providing only wheat flour, but they are now advocating for a wider variety of food items, including ready-to-eat meals, to better serve the needs of the population.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the WFP emphasizes that a substantial scaling up of aid efforts is only feasible with a ceasefire in place. The ongoing blockade and restricted access continue to hinder relief efforts, leaving many in Gaza vulnerable and in urgent need of assistance.