Urgent Call to Prevent Famine in Gaza

The U.N. World Food Programme is urging immediate action to prevent famine in the Gaza Strip, citing severe restrictions on aid flows. The agency warns that Israeli military operations are exacerbating the crisis, and that significant food supplies remain inaccessible due to closed entry points.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent plea for immediate intervention to prevent a looming famine in the Gaza Strip. The humanitarian crisis is deepening amid severe restrictions on the flow of aid into the region.

A global monitoring group has highlighted that the entire Palestinian enclave is at risk of famine, a situation compounded by Israeli military operations that are obstructing humanitarian access. As conditions in northern Gaza deteriorate, the WFP warns of an increasing likelihood of widespread famine unless the situation changes.

The WFP disclosed that approximately 94,000 tonnes of food are ready for delivery from Egypt and Jordan, enough to sustain one million people for four months. However, the closure of most entry points and safety concerns mean this vital aid has not reached Gaza. Since Israel's capture of the Rafah crossing with Egypt in May, following a Hamas attack in October, all routes into Gaza have been under Israeli control.

The WFP reports that only 5,000 tonnes of aid have entered Gaza this month, with several logistical obstacles such as truck approvals and checkpoint delays further hindering aid distribution.

(With inputs from agencies.)