Urgent: World Food Program Declares Gaza Faces Food Crisis as Israel Closes Crossings

The situation in Gaza is dire. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) recently announced that it has run out of food supplies. This means families in Gaza are facing immediate and serious food shortages. WFP delivered its last food stocks to kitchens providing hot meals, which will soon also run empty.

For many in Gaza, these kitchens have been their sole source of food. They reach half the population, but only provide about a quarter of daily needs. As of March 31, all WFP-supported bakeries closed due to a lack of wheat flour and cooking fuel. Families received their last two-week food parcels that same week, leading to a critical shortage.

The ongoing closure of all border crossings for over seven weeks marks the longest blockade Gaza has ever faced. This closing has made life even tougher and skyrocketed food prices—up to 1,400% since the ceasefire ended. Essential food items are increasingly hard to find, which raises serious nutrition concerns, especially for vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

As the situation worsens, over 116,000 metric tonnes of food aid are waiting at aid corridors, ready to enter Gaza once the borders reopen. This amount is enough to feed about a million people for up to four months.

Experts highlight the urgency of the crisis. According to Dr. Sarah Thompson, a humanitarian relief specialist, "The humanitarian needs in Gaza cannot be overstated. International laws require the protection of civilians and the unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid."

Social media reactions show a mix of outrage and pleas for help, with trending hashtags like #AidForGaza reflecting public concern.

The WFP has called for immediate action to allow aid into Gaza. They stress that the needs of civilians must be prioritized and obligations under international humanitarian law need to be upheld.

In summary, Gaza is at a breaking point. The combination of food shortages, rising prices, and a lack of humanitarian support paints a grim picture. As the crisis deepens, the world must respond accordingly.

For more information, you can read the full report by the World Food Programme.

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