In brief
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), a chaotic scene unfolded as large groups broke into a food supply warehouse in Gaza, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The WFP has called for immediate scaling up of food assistance to prevent starvation, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation caused by a lengthy blockade.
The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) has reported a dire situation in Gaza where "hordes of hungry people" broke into a food supply warehouse, resulting in at least two deaths and several injuries. Desperate for resources, thousands stormed the Al-Ghafari warehouse in Deir Al-Balah, seizing bags of flour and food as gunfire was heard nearby, the source of which remains unclear. The WFP has stated that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has "spiralled out of control," exacerbated by nearly three months of an Israeli blockade, which only saw a reduction last week. In their statement, the WFP emphasized the urgent need to upscale food assistance in the region as starvation looms. Recent reports indicate that although Israeli authorities allowed for the transfer of 121 aid trucks into Gaza, UN Middle East envoy Sigrid Kaag characterized this as "comparable to a lifeboat after the ship has sunk," given the critical situation many residents face.Additionally, a private aid distribution effort spearheaded by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates independently of the UN, has stirred controversy amid claims of preventing aid diversion by Hamas, a charge the group denies. The UN Human Rights Office reported numerous injuries when a GHF site was overwhelmed earlier this week, underscoring the dire need for food among the displaced populations. Jonathan Whittall, head of the UN's humanitarian office, stated there’s no evidence of Hamas siphoning aid but pointed to looting by criminal gangs operating with apparent Israeli army tolerance near the Kerem Shalom crossing.The UN has argued that a substantial influx of aid, similar to that seen during temporary ceasefires, could mitigate hunger-driven looting and enhance the efficiency of its established distribution networks in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel's envoy to the UN accused the organization of "mafia-like" tactics and undermining efforts to cooperate with the GHF, which has been criticized for its limited operational scope primarily serving the southern regions while much of Gaza's population remains in the north.
