Palestinians Face Growing Hardship As Aid Decreases in Gaza
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Aid to Gaza is dwindling, leaving the majority of residents reliant on community kitchens and humanitarian organizations, as the enclave grapples with worsening conditions after over a year of Israeli assault.
Most of Gaza's population depends entirely on food provided by community kitchens and aid from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), other UN agencies, or international NGOs.
These residents, enduring over 14 months of war, have lost their livelihoods and possessions, leaving them unable to afford basic necessities.
The situation deteriorated further after UNRWA suspended aid deliveries through the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. Additionally, the World Central Kitchen halted operations following an attack on its staff vehicle two days ago.
Reports from al-Aqsa Hospital reveal dire conditions. Patients, injured individuals, displaced families, and staff have gone without meals for two days due to the closure of the hospital’s community kitchen.
The United Nations has highlighted the severe impact of the Israeli genocidal war on children in Gaza.
UN Secretary General António Guterres stated, through remarks delivered by his deputy at a Cairo humanitarian conference, that Gaza now has the world’s highest number of child amputees per capita. "Many are losing limbs and undergoing surgeries without anesthesia," he added.
Ahmed Bayram of the Norwegian Refugee Council described the situation as a crisis of access and resources. Speaking to Al Jazeera from Amman, he criticized the limited aid allowed into Gaza. "At this rate, Israel is suffocating the support for these people," he said, noting that Gaza requires at least 25 supply trucks weekly, yet only "10 or 11" are entering the enclave.
Bayram further accused Israel of systematically keeping Gaza's residents in dire conditions. "This is not just about access. There is a deliberate attempt to keep people in the cold and starving," he said, expressing the frustration of the humanitarian aid community.
Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed at least 44,429 Palestinians and wounded 105,250 since October 7, 2023.
