WFP Announces Depletion Of Food Stocks In Gaza As Border Crossings Remain Closed

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced the depletion of its food supplies for Gaza families. In a statement from Geneva, WFP revealed that it delivered the last of its food stocks to hot meal kitchens in Gaza, which are expected to run out soon. These kitchens have been a crucial source of food for weeks, despite only meeting 25% of daily needs for half the population.

Food prices in Gaza have surged by up to 1,400% since the ceasefire ended. Essential commodities are scarce, raising nutrition concerns for vulnerable groups like children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly. The prolonged closure of border crossings has worsened market conditions and food systems.

WFP has also supported bakeries in providing affordable bread in Gaza. However, all 25 WFP-supported bakeries closed on March 31 due to a lack of wheat flour and cooking fuel. The same week saw the exhaustion of WFP food parcels meant to last two weeks. The scarcity of safe water and cooking fuel is forcing people to scavenge for materials to cook meals.

No humanitarian or commercial supplies have entered Gaza for over seven weeks due to closed border crossings. This marks the longest closure ever faced by the region. More than 116,000 metric tons of food aid, enough for one million people over four months, is ready at aid corridors but awaits border reopening.

The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point as coping mechanisms dwindle and progress made during the ceasefire unravels. "Without urgent action to open borders for aid and trade to enter, WFP’s critical assistance may be forced to end," stated WFP.

Call for Humanitarian Action

The WFP urges all parties involved to prioritise civilian needs by allowing immediate entry of aid into Gaza. They emphasise the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law obligations. The organisation stresses that opening borders is essential to continue providing vital assistance.

The current crisis highlights the fragility of gains made during temporary ceasefires and underscores the need for sustainable solutions. Ensuring access to essential resources is crucial for addressing severe shortages and preventing further deterioration of living conditions in Gaza.

With inputs from WAM