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WFP says Gaza aid is being choked by access limits, urges more crossings and cash
Summary
Corinne Fleisher, regional director for the World Food Programme, described severe access constraints, the loss of warehouses and distribution points in Gaza and called for more crossing points, streamlined operations and the return of cash so local markets can function.
Corinne Fleisher, regional director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe at the World Food Programme (WFP), told reporters that humanitarian operations in Gaza have been severely constrained by movement restrictions, repeated evacuation orders and recent losses of WFP infrastructure, limiting the agency’s ability to reach people in need.
Fleisher said WFP currently reaches more than 1,000,000 people in Gaza and the West Bank each month but that distribution has fallen short because of access problems. "We need more crossing points, and we need streamlined operations so we don't spend the day in cars but can actually do our work," she said, adding that WFP needs "law and order restored in Gaza so that we can travel and have our trucks safely reach the people." The agency is also channeling in-kind support to bakeries and shops to keep supply chains functioning where cash assistance is not yet feasible.
During a week-long visit to Gaza, Fleisher described crowded shelters and makeshift camps. She said it was common to find "60 to 70 people" living in classrooms built for 20 to 30. Travel times for WFP convoys have increased dramatically; one trip that normally takes 40 minutes took eight hours during her visit. WFP reported losing access to its third operational warehouse in central Gaza after an evacuation order, the evacuation of five WFP-supported community kitchens and the loss of close to 20 distribution points, which has reduced the agency’s distribution capacity.
Asked by Reuters whether Israeli authorities had provided an explanation for a recent incident involving WFP vehicles, Fleisher said operations were suspended "for a few days" until assurances were given that there would be an investigation and a review of coordination mechanisms. "We have not received [the investigation report] yet," she said.
Fleisher emphasized the humanitarian risks ahead of winter: damaged roads will become increasingly impassable, and the agency warned that the security environment and constraints on movement are "choking" efforts to prevent famine. She urged the restoration of cash to Gaza so residents can begin to buy locally and markets can resume functioning.
The briefing closed with no new commitments announced; WFP said it will continue to press for access, coordination improvements and funding to sustain operations in Gaza.
