Synopsis
UN humanitarian officials announce that 63,000 metric tonnes of food is stranded due to the ongoing Gaza aid blockade, capable of feeding 1.1 million people for up to three months. The blockade hampers relief efforts, while issues like fuel shortages and escalating violence in the West Bank further complicate the humanitarian crisis.Key Takeaways
- 63,000 metric tonnes of food blocked in Gaza.
- Enough to support 1.1 million people for 2-3 months.
- Blockade hinders World Food Programme operations.
- Fuel shortages affect emergency response.
- Escalating violence in the West Bank increases displacement.
United Nations, March 15 (NationPress) UN humanitarian officials reported that 63,000 metric tonnes of food is ready for distribution, pending the lifting of the Gaza aid blockade. This stockpile is sufficient to feed 1.1 million individuals for two to three months.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicated that the ongoing 12-day blockade is severely obstructing relief efforts, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
According to OCHA, “This situation means that the World Food Programme (WFP) has been unable to deliver any food supplies into Gaza due to the closure of all border crossing points for both humanitarian and commercial supplies.” OCHA added, “WFP currently has approximately 63,000 metric tonnes of food earmarked for Gaza, either stored or in transit within the region.”
The WFP stated that it possesses enough resources to support active bakeries and community kitchens for about one month, and it can offer ready-to-eat food parcels for over 500,000 individuals for up to two weeks. However, prior to the ceasefire, WFP had to cut back on the number of ready-to-eat food parcels to allow families to conserve their supplies and feed more people.
Beyond food shortages, a lack of fuel is impacting vehicle operations throughout Gaza and hampering first responders.
OCHA further stated that oxygen supplies and electricity generators are urgently required to sustain life-saving operations in Gaza hospitals. There is a critical shortage of at least two dozen additional generators for health centers, as the ones currently operational require maintenance and spare parts.
In the West Bank, the humanitarian office has warned of escalating settler violence in specific areas, resulting in injuries, property damage, and heightening the risk of community displacement.
Over the past two years, OCHA has recorded the displacement of over 2,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, attributed to increased settler violence and access restrictions.
In northern West Bank, the Israeli military operation has now extended into its eighth week.
OCHA reported that people continue to be displaced, with Israeli forces raiding at least 10 mosques in the West Bank last week, including those in East Jerusalem.
“Since Monday, operations in Jenin city have escalated, with over 500 individuals displaced from three neighborhoods in the city’s eastern section, as indicated by the municipality,” OCHA stated. “The UN and its partners caution that food insecurity is on the rise, as Israeli operations, displacement, and movement restrictions hinder access to food.”
Additionally, OCHA noted a significant rise in the demolition of Palestinian-owned structures in the West Bank over the past week and a half. The number of demolitions during the initial 10 days of Ramadan this year surpasses the total for all of Ramadan in 2024.
