A senior UN aid official, Carl Skau, deputy director of the UN World Food Programme, has issued a stark warning, stating that half of Gaza’s population is currently facing starvation as the conflict persists. Skau noted that only a fraction of the required supplies has been able to enter the Strip, leaving nine out of 10 people unable to eat every day.
Despite the challenging conditions in Gaza that make deliveries almost impossible, Israel maintains its stance on continuing air strikes to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of Israeli hostages. Israel Defence Forces spokesman Lt Col Richard Hecht emphasized the difficulty of the situation, expressing regret over civilian casualties but asserting the absence of a viable alternative.
The dire humanitarian situation has prompted a call for increased international pressure and aid deliveries. Skau reported witnessing widespread desperation during a recent trip to Gaza, with shortages evident at distribution points, supermarkets, and overcrowded shelters.
The conflict has severely restricted movement in and out of Gaza since October 7, leading to heightened tensions and a significant impact on the well-being of the population. The UN World Food Programme insists on the urgent need for a second border crossing to address the growing demand for aid.
In Khan Younis, residents surrounded by Israeli tanks describe the situation as dire, with insufficient food supplies leading to families spending a full day and night without any food at all. Dr Ahmed Moghrabi from Nasser hospital in the city expressed helplessness in providing for his three-year-old daughter, emphasizing the critical shortage of food.
The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, accused the United States of complicity in war crimes for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution received overwhelming support, with 13 out of 15 Security Council members voting in favor.
The escalating conflict has led to casualties on both sides, with the international community urging a swift resolution to ease the humanitarian crisis.
