Food Crisis in Gaza: Aid and Commercial Supplies Strained Amid New Israeli Restrictions

Recent Israeli customs regulations and reduced commercial deliveries have led to a sharp drop in food supplies to Gaza. Aid channels through Jordan have been stalled due to new legal requirements, while commercial shipments have decreased over concerns of Hamas exploiting the trade. The situation heightens food insecurity for millions.

Food supplies to Gaza have plummeted in recent weeks due to new Israeli customs regulations and reduced deliveries by businesses, people involved in the efforts told Reuters. The new customs rule impacts U.N. truck convoys transporting aid from Jordan via Israel, as confirmed by seven sources.

Under this rule, individuals from relief organizations must provide passport details and accept liability for any false information, creating legal concerns. Consequently, key shipments via the Jordan route have halted for two weeks. However, shipments through Cyprus and Egypt remain unaffected.

In parallel, Israeli authorities have restricted commercial food shipments to prevent Hamas from benefiting. U.N. and Israeli data indicate September deliveries were the lowest in seven months. The twin restrictions raise alarm among aid workers about worsening food insecurity for Gaza's 2.3 million residents.

(With inputs from agencies.)