The United Nations warns of imminent food shortages in Gaza after Israel halted humanitarian aid, causing food prices to soar and threatening community kitchens that support half a million individuals. Tensions rise as both Israeli officials and Hamas exchange accusations regarding the necessity and integrity of aid amidst ongoing conflict.
Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Israel Halts Aid Access
Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Israel Halts Aid Access
Food shortages worsen in Gaza following Israel's decision to block humanitarian aid, leading to skyrocketing prices and desperate conditions for residents.
Gaza is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis as the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that the blockade of aid by Israel has led to alarming food scarcity. Following the suspension of humanitarian aid at the weekend, food prices have soared, with staples like flour and vegetables more than doubling in cost. Gazans have echoed these concerns, expressing fears over the dwindling supplies that support community kitchens aimed at serving over 500,000 people.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to halt aid was motivated by allegations that Hamas was diverting supplies to fund terrorism. In retaliation, Hamas condemned the blockade, calling it a form of "cheap blackmail." The situation intensified following the collapse of a proposed ceasefire extension mediated by US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, which had allowed for a surge of aid into Gaza since its initiation in January.
As the blockade takes effect, OCHA warned that community kitchens would soon have to adjust meal preparations or cease operations altogether due to inadequate stock. Abu Qais Aryan, a resident of Khan Younis, reported a dramatic increase in the cost of essentials almost overnight, with some residents unable to afford even basic items to relieve their hunger due to a lack of cash liquidity.
The rise in prices has become a contentious issue, with accusations of local merchants exploiting the crisis, while others lament the unmanageable costs of basic food items. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) criticized Israel's blockade as an infringement on humanitarian rights, expressing concern over its devastating implications for the population. In solidarity with Gaza, Qatar and Egypt condemned Israel's actions, asserting they violate both the ceasefire agreement and international humanitarian law.
The blockade extends beyond food, impacting the supply of medicine and hygiene products as well. As the conflict enters a precarious phase after more than a year of violence, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, calls for a resolution grow louder amid rising fears of starvation and medical neglect for the civilian population.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to halt aid was motivated by allegations that Hamas was diverting supplies to fund terrorism. In retaliation, Hamas condemned the blockade, calling it a form of "cheap blackmail." The situation intensified following the collapse of a proposed ceasefire extension mediated by US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, which had allowed for a surge of aid into Gaza since its initiation in January.
As the blockade takes effect, OCHA warned that community kitchens would soon have to adjust meal preparations or cease operations altogether due to inadequate stock. Abu Qais Aryan, a resident of Khan Younis, reported a dramatic increase in the cost of essentials almost overnight, with some residents unable to afford even basic items to relieve their hunger due to a lack of cash liquidity.
The rise in prices has become a contentious issue, with accusations of local merchants exploiting the crisis, while others lament the unmanageable costs of basic food items. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) criticized Israel's blockade as an infringement on humanitarian rights, expressing concern over its devastating implications for the population. In solidarity with Gaza, Qatar and Egypt condemned Israel's actions, asserting they violate both the ceasefire agreement and international humanitarian law.
The blockade extends beyond food, impacting the supply of medicine and hygiene products as well. As the conflict enters a precarious phase after more than a year of violence, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, calls for a resolution grow louder amid rising fears of starvation and medical neglect for the civilian population.
