Scarce food assistance remains insufficient to alleviate starvation in Gaza, despite a 'modest' increase

Scarce food assistance remains insufficient to alleviate starvation in Gaza, despite a 'modest' increase - WFP (World Food Programme)

In a recent visit to Gaza, Cindy McCain, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

According to a report released by the global hunger monitor, Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), approximately 514,000 people - nearly a quarter of Gaza's population - are currently facing famine conditions in Gaza City and surrounding areas.

McCain, who met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasised the need for unfettered access, more safe routes, and guarantees against long delays for aid trucks in Gaza. Her concerns are particularly for vulnerable populations deep inside Gaza.

The Israeli military (IDF) has stated that the majority of the trucks entering Gaza daily carry food, and is committed to ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the civilian population directly, not Hamas. However, McCain noted that the current increase in aid is not sufficient to prevent malnutrition and starvation.

The WFP is currently able to deliver about 100 aid trucks per day into Gaza, which is significantly less than the 600 trucks that were entering daily during the ceasefire. More than 300 humanitarian trucks enter Gaza daily, according to the Israeli military.

McCain observed ongoing difficulties in delivering aid to vulnerable populations deep inside Gaza during her visits to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis this week. She described the conditions she witnessed as utter devastation, with people who are very seriously hungry and malnourished.

In a meeting with IDF Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir, McCain emphasized the need to be able to get deep into Gaza to ensure consistent aid delivery. The IDF reiterated its commitment to humanitarian efforts.

The WFP has called for more food aid to be allowed into Gaza to address widespread starvation. McCain's visit and subsequent meetings aim to ensure better access for the WFP to Gaza and to accelerate and maintain the import of humanitarian goods despite the severe crisis there.

Israel has repeatedly dismissed findings about the situation in Gaza as false and biased in favor of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. However, the need for urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains undeniable.

Scarce food assistance remains insufficient to alleviate starvation in Gaza, despite a 'modest' increase - WFP (World Food Programme)