WFP Reports 36% of Gaza Households in Severe Hunger amid Escalating Israeli Attacks

Carl Skau, WFP's Deputy Director, took to social media on Friday to express the dire situation, stating, "There’s not enough food. People are starving." Following a firsthand assessment in Gaza, he stressed the urgency of the situation and urged for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies.

Skau highlighted the challenges faced by their team, acknowledging the provision of aid to over a million individuals but emphasizing the untenable circumstances. The shortage of necessary food supplies, lack of fuel, and pervasive insecurity impede the WFP's operations, making it impossible to address the burgeoning crisis effectively.

Describing the grim reality on the ground, Skau painted a picture of overcrowded camps and emergency shelters amidst incessant bombing raids, stating, "With law and order breaking down, any meaningful humanitarian operation is impossible."

The recent US veto on a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire further exacerbated the situation, drawing condemnation from humanitarian groups. Despite UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' invocation of Article 99, signaling the gravity of the crisis, Israeli bombardments persist, resulting in a devastating toll of lives lost and injuries.

At least 18,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in two months and nearly 49,000 wounded, while many people are still trapped under the rubble.

Skau underscored the imperative need for a ceasefire, pointing out that a previous seven-day truce had demonstrated the feasibility of delivering aid when conditions permit. He stressed the necessity of multiple crossings and secure passage for aid trucks to reach Palestinians efficiently.

Regarding potential aid routes, Skau discussed ongoing efforts to test a new inspection process at the Karem Abu Salem crossing. Although Israel has initially resisted opening this crossing, recent signals indicate a possibility of using it to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza, supplementing the limited aid flow through the Rafah crossing from Egypt.

While detailing logistical challenges and bottlenecks in aid delivery, Skau emphasized the significance of opening entry points, citing a potential pipeline from Jordan that could significantly impact aid accessibility.

Skau reiterated readiness to mobilize aid resources, emphasizing the need for immediate action to avert a complete collapse of the humanitarian operation in Gaza. Amidst increasing chaos and desperation among the populace, he emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, "Half of the population are starving, nine out of 10 are not eating every day. Obviously, the needs are massive."